Merel van Roon participated in 2 national pageants in the Netherlands. She was 4th ru at Miss Beauty of Zuid Holland and 3rd runner up at Miss Grand Netherlands 2023. At both pageants she represented her province of Zuid Holland.
For Merel a dream comes true this year as she will represent our country at the Miss Asia Pacific pageant in the Philippines.
After several years this international pageant will have a new edition. In 2016 Tessa Le Conge won the pageant and so far she is the only dutch winner. In 2017 and in 2018, both Morgan and Raquel made it into the top 5! So, the Netherlands have so far a greta score!
Merel is no new name in the dutch pageantry, but let’s ask her 10 questions, to get to know her a little bit better.
Who is Merel van Roon?
I am a 21 year old hardworking woman who found her passion in pageantry. Born and raised in the Netherlands in the city Rotterdam. I have been working in childcare for over 4 years as a specialized pedagogical employee. And for this I finished my studies 1 year ago. I have 2 things that make me truly happy, my work and my pageants. Both completely different worlds but in both an example. My free time I like to spend it with friends and family, read a book or try new make up looks.
Why and when did you enter the world of beauty pageants?
Before I started pageants I had no idea how big it was. I started with Miss Beauty of South Holland in 2022. then I became 4th runner up Miss Beauty of the Netherlands. This was the moment I found out how much I liked this. I was then crowned Miss Grand Zuid-Holland 2023 and became 4th runner up Miss Grand Netherlands. the world of beauty pageants is like no other. You learn things there that you don’t learn anywhere else and become the best version of yourself. Everyone is accepted and you can be completely yourself.
That’s the reason I participate in beauty pageants.
What will be the thing that you wil bring with you in the rest of your life, that you have learned or experienced during beauty pageants?
During my experiences with Pageants I learned a lot. But if I had to choose 1 thing that I will take with me forever is that you are perfect just the way you are and that you can always be yourself and dare to express this.
What makes you proud to be dutch and what will you tell the other contestants about the Netherlands?
The diversity in the Netherlands is enormous. I am extremely proud to represent my country in an pageant that stands for this and is committed to this. I can tell you 100 things about the Nether-lands. But I will always come back to the diversity in our country.
Miss Asia Pacific is a platform for women to learn, improve and ignite positive change within themselves ánd the global community. What is your contribution to this cause?
During my time as a Beauty Queen, I have worked to encourage women and everyone to be themselves. I work with children and they see me as a teacher but also as a Miss. I teach them every day that no matter what your dreams are, you can achieve them if you work hard enough.
the fact that you like to make yourself beautiful or have certain hobbies such as participating in beauty pageants. This doesn’t make you any less smart. this actually makes you powerful. be yourself!
What will you do to bring the second Miss Asia Pacific International crown to the Netherlands?
As I already say, I use my voice for the youth and everyone who needs it. Enter the international stage with pride and put the Netherlands on the map. Spreading my advocacy and trying to inspire everyone in this. I believe that with trust and appreciation for your country and the people who support you, you can come far.
Would you encourage young women to participate in beauty pageants, and why?
Yes! I will always encourage girls to participate in beauty pageants. It is a place where you make friends and develop yourself. The love you receive from the Beauty pageant world is crazy. It gives you confidence and it has made me the person I am today.
Your name Merel is also the name of a singing bird: a Blackbird. What is the one song you will take to the international pageant and why?
The song I will take with me to the international pageant is “God is a Woman” from Ariana Grande. This song makes me so confident and in my opinion describes the power of women.
You once mentioned that you love the glitter and glamour of pageantry. Do you think a beauty pageant really needs that and why?
In a beauty pageant we celebrate the beauty of women. I believe that this is different for everyone and everyone should feel good and be themselves on stage. I love the glitter and glamor that comes with beauty pageants. But I think everyone should do this the way they want.
What about Merel in 10 years?
In 10 years I hope to be happy and healthy. Hopefully with a beautiful family and of course still involved in the organizations of my Beauty pageant .
Thank you so much for taking the time to answer our 10 questions and we wish you all the best of luck at the finals of Miss Asia Pacific.
photos: Roy Froma, the light portraits (b&w) and RDJ fotografie (white dress)
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