Cebuana beauty queen Apriel Smith expressed her thoughts on her recent Q&A performance at the Miss Universe Philippines 2026 finals, where she secured a spot in the Top 7.
In a discussion shared by Pageant Talk on Facebook, Smith revealed that her approach during the question-and-answer segment was rooted in sincerity.
"My biggest challenge is my communication skills, so the way I answer, I just express with all my heart," she stated.
Smith noted that her responses during the competition felt spontaneous.
"Parang lumabas lang din siya," she remarked, reflecting on how naturally her words came during the moment.
Apriel Smith
Despite feeling nervous, she committed to being genuine on stage.
"I kinda felt nervous but then nilabas ko lang wholeheartedly," she shared.
Her Q&A performance garnered significant attention, particularly her insights on representing the Philippines amid ongoing challenges.
In her response, Smith articulated the frustrations many Filipinos feel, connecting her own experiences as an overseas Filipino worker.
"We care deeply and we know that we deserve better," she emphasized during her answer.
Apriel Smith
Smith's heartfelt remarks resonated with the audience, highlighting her growth in communication skills and personal connection to the topic.
She successfully stood out among 51 candidates during the coronation night, which took place on May 2.