If there’s one segment in the forthcoming Miss Teen Universe pageant that 19-year-old Kylie Luy is excited about, it is the talent portion.

This early, Luy is already eager to sing her composition, “Hey, Mr. Perfect,” arranged by veteran singer Rannie Raymundo and recorded at the studio of another veteran, composer and musical director Vehnee Saturno.

“I just want people to enjoy my music and maybe relate to it especially for kids nowadays because I know that they like to express themselves and listen to music,” came Luy’s answer to our question during an exclusive interview online, Feb. 3.

The song, she said, is about a girl wanting to express her feelings and thoughts but is too shy, so she just wrote a song about it.

kylie luy — PH representative to Miss Teen Universe, Kylie Luy. Image: courtesy of Kylie Luy

“It’s about liking someone but not being brave enough to tell him,” she said.

Luy was handpicked among several possible candidates that were presented to Jewel Lobaton, chairman of Miss Teen Universe-Philippines and Charlotte Dianco, national director of Miss Teen Universe-Philippines.

“Among them, Kylie was the best to represent the country with her talent, educational background, height, beauty and overall presence. She can perform in public since she was once a contestant in ‘The Voice Kids Philippines’ when she was a kid,” Dianco said.

Luy was raised in London and finished high school at the International School Manila and is an incoming freshman in a fashion design school in Paris this September. She can play the guitar, piano and violin, plus she studied martial arts.

Meanwhile, Miss Teen Universe will be held in Dubai, United Arab Emirates from Feb. 27 to March 7, 2022.

kylie luy full body — PH representative to Miss Teen Universe, Kylie Luy. Image: courtesy of Charlotte Dianco

“This is my first pageant so I am very excited to meet all different girls and get to learn about different countries and their culture,” she said, adding that she is also “a little nervous.”

To get herself ready for the pageant, Luy has been taking classes in posture, learning how to properly walk, and seriously preparing for the question and answer portion.

“I actually did see a live beauty pageant two years ago before the pandemic. I was able to watch the question and answer. I think watching it is different from actually being in it. When you’re standing there it might be a little difficult,” she said.

Luy’s biggest dream is to inspire her generation: “I want people to see me as someone they can relate to as well as someone that can help them bring confidence to themselves.” JB

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