Behind Alexie Brooks’ triumph in winning Miss Iloilo’s 2024 crown lies the poignant story of her grandmother, Lola Bising. Lola Bising recounts how they endured a challenging life, selling vegetables in the market and even sleeping there. Lola also shares the heartbreaking memory of her children urging her to put Alexie up for adoption because of her dark skin, but she refused, seeing Alexie as her grandchild, not a burden.
During Lola Bising’s storytelling, tears stream down her face. However, the surprising revelation is Lola Bising’s plea to Alexie’s Lebanese father, Danny Brooks, to notice and recognize their daughter. It is disclosed that Danny and Rose, Alexie’s mother, had a past romantic connection.
Alexie gained fame for her eloquent response during the 2024 Miss Iloilo Question and Answer portion, leading many to suggest she should represent the Philippines in Miss Universe due to her intelligence and stage presence. Yet, what stood out even more was the iconic moment when Alexie kissed her beloved Lola Bising, the woman who raised her and captured the hearts of many.
Beyond the spotlight, Alexie’s kiss reveals her deep love for Lola Bising and the hardships they endured, evident in her tears while embracing her grandmother upon winning the crown. Now that Alexie is recognized, the possibility of her reconnecting with her father, whom she has never met, becomes more real. Lola Bising’s plea for her beauty queen granddaughter, Alexie Mae Brooks, to be noticed by her father remains a heartfelt wish.