Melania Tora, the newly crowned Miss Hibiscus 2024, expressed her heartfelt gratitude to God as she celebrated her victory. The 24-year-old queen spent quality time with her family and attended church, thanking God for the immense support she has received throughout her journey.
In her reflections on the preparation leading up to the competition, Tora described a demanding regimen that included fasting, prayer, and thorough research on previous Hibiscus queens to inform her advocacy work. She emphasized her commitment to addressing mental health issues, highlighting its connection to various societal challenges such as drug addiction, HIV/AIDS, and domestic violence.
Tora opened up about her personal struggles with anxiety and a prolonged period of depression, sharing her empathy for those feeling hopeless. “I’ve struggled with anxiety and went through a season of depression my whole life, and I know that’s hard to believe,” she admitted. “I very much understand what it’s like to feel hopeless.”
She acknowledged the camaraderie among fellow contestants and praised the event organizers for their dedication and organization, despite facing minor challenges. Looking ahead, Tora mentioned her plans to celebrate in Sabeto and expressed excitement about spending time with her family, eagerly anticipating what the future holds.