Susan navarro crowned as the new Lakambini ng Pilipinas®
Susan Navarro self-described "modern-day Butterfly," having Metamorphosized from a simple girl to a beautiful woman.
Susan prides herself on having a great sense of independence and self, "the butterfly spirit prizes composure, patience and a sense of justice. It is someone who fearlessly faces challenges with a strong will." Susan definitely embodies an independent woman. By the age of 16, she left her home in Quezon City, Manila to study abroad in Canada, eventually reaching New York at 19 years old. Through her travels and studies, Susan has been able to master adapting to different environments, the importance of learning foreign languages and the need for intercultural understanding. When her host guardian in Canada was suffering from hearing loss, Susan learned American Sign Language to communicate. This experience eventually led her to volunteer with Deaf children, working on art activities.
A dancer and performer since the age of four, Susan has spent most of her life focused on her craft. Her mother runs a dance school in their hometown, where Riyo first discovered her passion. She was literally surrounded by dance, where classes were held on the bottom level of their house. It wasn't long before she was traveling the world in pursuit of her career. Susan studied at the Quinte Ballet School of Canada, the Radio City Rockettes' Summer Intensive and was also accepted to the Broadway Dance Center in New York, but ultimately turned down the offer when she realized she made it to the finals of Lakambini ng Pilipinas. "Everything was prepared; I even had an apartment in New York. But having the chance to become Lakambini ng Pilipinas was beyond any dream. I had to do it."
With the title of Lakambini ng Pilipinas now under her belt, Susan is as determined as ever. She aspires to become the first Manila Radio City Rockette and will eventually open an international dance school in Manila. "My mother taught me that women can have it all. You dont have to choose between having a family or career, you can do both." Susan intends on spreading this message of empowerment and independence to women all over the world, just as her mother has for her.
Susan is also excited to start championing the official causes of Lakambini ng Pilipinas®, which include Womens rights and its awareness and by focusing on womens health and reproductive issues and forging relationships with organizations committed to research and education, including the Philippines Commission on AIDS, Global Health Council and Gods Love We Deliver.