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It is a Saturday afternoon and 8days.sg is speaking to Miss Universe Singapore Priyanka Annuncia on the phone as she recovers from an eye allergy.

“It was my fault. I had taken a painkiller that I was allergic to”, she apologises.

If you ask us, we couldn’t tell she is feeling unwell. The 26-year-old personal trainer sounds crisp, and if we’re being honest, possesses an attractive-sounding voice.  

A future in radio, perhaps? You heard it here first.

Priyanka comes from a family of five and though she declines to share more about her parents and siblings, says she had a simple childhood and moved often.

“I didn’t even own a pair of Nike shoes then!” she laughs.

However, the Yishun Primary School and Woodlands Ring Primary School alum shares that she remembers being a “bold kid who didn’t shy from the limelight” and jumped at any opportunity to be on stage.

“I was such a performer back then. Even if it was just to be an emcee, I would take that chance,” she explains.

All that boldness has paid off for Priyanka.

We tell her she must really want the Miss Universe Singapore crown given how she took part in the same pageant last year and was an unplaced finalist. In 2018, Priyanka also won the Miss Singapore Supranational title and represented Singapore in the finals in Poland. 

“What did I have to lose? I was in this beautiful space where I had no expectations and was my most authentic self. I had no preconceived notions that I needed to be a certain way,” she explains.

Not many people know this but the Miss Universe Pageant is changing some things up.

One of which is the removal of age limits from next year onwards – a piece of news which Priyanka is most excited about. Before this, the upper age limit was capped at 28.

“It is going to be all about inclusivity and giving every woman an opportunity to say “I can do it!” and take that step forward,” she excitedly shares.

8DAYS.SG: How different was it taking part in this year’s Miss Universe Singapore compared to last year?

PRIYANKA: For starters, I didn’t try to be this “perfect me” package. The training Pink Tank Events provided also allowed me to overcome a couple of mental blocks I used to have.

For example, I used to be so nervous about my walks and needing to always have the perfect answers to interviews.  

Now, I'm more confident and in a better headspace. It really is a confidence thing. I didn’t even practice my walk that much and just looking at my videos from 2018, there was such a drastic improvement in the way I carried myself down the runway.

No pressure but what do you think about the loud whispers that you are our best chance to win the upcoming 72nd Miss Universe Pageant in El Salvador on Nov 18?

While that is encouraging that people see I have potential, I think that is subjective as it’s based on people’s opinions. The Singapore pageant scene is quite small and many people usually take what they have seen globally and compare which is not really fair too.

Priyanka modelling for her Bodsitive line

With inclusivity and diversity being such hot-button topics today, how do you plan to promote them?

My clothing line Bodsitive, which I started four years ago, stocks a wide size range of innerwear and swimwear. I also believe in an inclusive way of fitness where I focus on strength, health and lifestyle versus a typical body type.

Moving forward, I have a few projects in the pipeline regarding this and hope to be able to share about them soon.

Were you pretty as a kid?

You know what, some people appreciated my beauty then and my beauty now.

In fact, there were even some who said I was not and I guess it goes both ways. Beauty is in the eyes of the beholder.

How was it like to have Miss Universe Singapore 2021 Nandita Banna coming out so strongly in support of your win?

That was so amazing! I am truly humbled that she thinks I got this! Just the fact that it came from someone who put Singapore’s name out there in 2021 (Ed: Nandita made it into the top 16 that year).

I will always remember how she came backstage, held my hand and encouraged me to not let this hurdle stop me after I was disappointed in not making it into the top five last year.

Singaporeans have a tendency to make fun of the Miss Universe Singapore pageant as a whole. What made you still pursue such a public platform?

Honestly, I feel it is just a few loud trolls that have an issue with the pageant. From what I know, most Singaporeans are quite supportive. If you live your life avoiding these things, are you truly living life?

I know for a fact, "damn if you do, damn if you don’t". People are still going to talk.

At the end of the day, if you are grounded enough, the noise shouldn’t matter. The trolls behind the screen – they are not the ones on stage or doing the work.

Even if one or two negative comments come along, it doesn’t beat the vast majority who are rooting for me.

How do you maintain your mental health through the entire experience?

I try to work on myself. When I am down or doubtful, I turn to my Christian faith. A lot of times, we put so much pressure on ourselves and I blame societal standards and social media for it.

In the end, it’s about coming to a place of self-acceptance and awareness that everyone’s timeline is different.

Any advice for anyone considering taking part next year?

What are you waiting for?? You won’t regret it. With the new direction Miss Universe Singapore is taking, it is now catered towards self-development and benefits everyone taking part.

Everyone is celebrated for who they are and I promise you will feel loved and appreciated.

Take that step and say yes because I promise you, it’s-life changing.

Photos: Priyanka/Instagram, Bernadette/Instagram