Strutting confidently in seven-inch heels is no easy feat—it’s a skill honed through practice. For Celina Weil, Miss Germany 2024, mastering the art of walking in towering heels has become a daily challenge at the prestigious Kagandahang Flores (KF) beauty camp in Manila, Philippines.
Weil, 23, recently completed a week of intensive training to prepare for the Miss Intercontinental 2024 competition in Egypt, where she placed fourth runner-up. Her goal was to refine her runway walk and develop the poise needed to excel on the international stage.
The KF training program, led by veteran mentor Rodgil Flores, is far from glamorous. Taking place in a modest gym with white walls and concrete floors, it focuses on discipline, personality development, and communication skills. Flores emphasizes that success in pageants requires more than beauty—it’s about grace, intellect, and determination.
“You wouldn’t think beauty queens have to sweat for their success, but this is a full-body workout,” says Bianca Nicole Miranda, Miss Earth Puerto Rico 2024. The program includes muscle stretching, posture improvement, and intensive runway practice.
Filipinos are passionate about beauty pageants, and the Philippines has become a global powerhouse in the field. The country boasts four Miss Universe titles, along with numerous wins in other prestigious competitions. KF has played a pivotal role in this success, producing many international titleholders.
Weil, who studies economics in Frankfurt, was discovered just a year before being crowned Miss Germany. She describes the KF training as “professional and strict,” noting the camaraderie among contestants despite the competitive atmosphere.
Participants hail from around the world, including Puerto Rico, the U.S., and the Netherlands. For Weil, the experience was about more than rivalry—it was an opportunity to learn and grow. “The coaches are amazing, and the training helps you compete at an international level,” she says.
High heels are a signature aspect of pageant training. Flores explains they enhance the contestants’ height and posture, creating an elongated silhouette. Weil, though new to wearing mammoth platforms, is determined to master the art, acknowledging that it’s all about practice.
While pageants are often seen as glamorous, Weil’s journey highlights the discipline and resilience required to succeed in this demanding world.
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