MANILA, Philippines — Binibining Pilipinas candidate and actress-model Vickie Rushton thanked her supporters and “detractors” after failing to win a crown in the recently held national pageant.

“To all those who believed in me despite my imperfections and to my detractors, thank you so much,” Rushton said Tuesday in an Instagram post.

Rushton said she could use their comments to improve herself: “Your comments and reactions were noted. I can use some of them to perfect my imperfect self.”

“Thank you also to those who continue to defend me. Let us put to rest the issue and we can move on from here. We can be friends even if we had differences. Let’s consider how to uplift one another, support, encourage and pray for each other,” she added.

Despite winning some special awards in the pageant, Rushton did not place in this year’s contest.

The actress-model previously said she got distracted by an audience member who made a face during the question-and-answer portion.

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Regardless, Rushton said the Binibining Pilipinas pageant taught her lessons that could truly help her in life.

“My experiences in the recently concluded Bb. Pilipinas pageant has taught me a lot of lessons — lessons which will guide me as I continue to embark in my life’s journey,” she said.

Rushton also expressed joy for the time she spent with fellow candidates in the pageant and for finding a family in them.

“I treasure the moments I shared with my fellow Binibinis who, like me, shared a common dream of getting a crown. In them, I found a family,” she said.

“We worked together, laughed together, and at times cried together. I am sincerely happy to the crown holders and commiserate with those who did not,” she added.

Rushton also joined the Binibining Pilipinas pageant last year but only finished first runner-up.

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(Editor: Alexander T. Magno)