

Soraya Filippelli @soraya_filippelli_

Soraya Filippelli @justsoraya_

With captivating beauty, effortless elegance, and an unmistakable international presence, Soraya Filippelli is ready for her next global chapter. Miss Heritage Moldova 2026 and Miss Medija Europe 2026, the Italian-Romanian international model is preparing to shine at Miss Heritage Global 2026, bringing her multicultural identity and passion for discovery to the world stage.
For Soraya, heritage is the beautiful connection between family, culture, traditions, and the experiences that shape who we become. Her journey through international pageants has strengthened her confidence while deepening her appreciation for different people and perspectives. In front of the camera, she loves creative street-style editorials; on the runway, she thrives on the energy and adrenaline of the moment.
Beyond fashion and crowns, Soraya is an active, independent woman building her own interior design company. Her story is a reminder that ambition has no single path—and that embracing every side of yourself can open extraordinary doors. Discover Soraya’s world, where beauty meets purpose and the future is hers to create.

1.- Soraya, you have a very strong presence in front of the camera. What do you think changes when the camera becomes an international pageant audience?
Of course, the emotions are a little stronger when you know you’re in front of an international audience, but I always try to stay confident, enjoy the experience and give the best of myself. The feeling is different, but in a very beautiful way. I genuinely love being on stage, so even when I’m nervous, I try to turn those emotions into positive energy and just enjoy the moment
2.- As a model, what kind of photoshoot makes you feel completely in your element?
I usually feel most in my element during creative or street-style photoshoots. I really enjoy shoots that happen outside the studio, where everything feels more natural, spontaneous and relaxed. I like having a direction, of course, but not following a strict plan all the time. Sometimes the best moments happen when you just go with the energy of the place and enjoy the experience
3. You hold dual Italian and Romanian citizenship, were born in Italy, and previously represented Italy in Croatia, where you won Miss Medija Europe. Now, you will represent Moldova at Miss Heritage Global 2026. How do these different cultural connections shape the woman and international model you are today?
I was very honored to represent Italy in Croatia, and that experience taught me a lot. I’ve always been someone who enjoys discovering new cultures, meeting new people and learning as much as I can from every experience. I feel that every country and every pageant brings something different into my life and helps me grow both personally and professionally. Representing Moldova at Miss Heritage Global 2026 is something new for me, and I’m really excited to be part of this experience, to learn from it and to create beautiful memories along the way.

4.- What does the word “heritage” personally mean to you?
For me, heritage is everything we carry with us from where we come from, our family, our culture, our traditions and the experiences that shape us. Because I’ve grown up with different cultural influences in my life, I think I’ve learned to appreciate how much our roots can define us, but also how much we can learn from other cultures. For me, heritage means being proud of who you are and where you come from, while still being open to discovering new places, new people and new ways of seeing the world
5.- You have already earned the title Miss Medija Europe 2026. How does that experience influence the woman you are bringing to Miss Heritage Global?
I’m really happy and grateful for the Miss Medija Europe 2026 title. It definitely gives me more confidence and motivates me to keep growing, but for me the most important part is still the experience itself. Every competition teaches you something about yourself, about other people and about how to handle new situations. I’m going to Miss Heritage Global with more experience than before, but also with the same curiosity and desire to learn, enjoy the moment and give my best without putting too much pressure on myself.

6.- Do you prefer a dramatic runway, an elegant evening gown moment or a relaxed fashion editorial?
Honestly, I enjoy all of them, but I think runway is where I feel the most excited. I really love the energy of walking in front of an audience, whether the moment is more dramatic and powerful or more elegant and refined. I enjoy fashion editorials too, especially when they are creative and natural, but runway gives me a different kind of energy and adrenaline that I really love
7.- What is one thing you always do before an important appearance to get yourself into the right mood?
I honestly love getting ready with music because it helps me feel good and puts me in the right mood. I also prefer to start getting ready early, so I don’t feel rushed and I can stay relaxed before an important appearance. Usually, I like to do a little workout beforehand too, sometimes I go to the stadium and run for a bit. It helps me clear my mind, release any stress and feel more confident and energized.

8.- If a photographer gave you complete creative freedom for your next international editorial, what would the concept be?
I’m quite a creative person, and usually the photographers I work with give me space to bring some of my own ideas into the shoot as well. It would really depend on the theme, but if I had complete creative freedom, I would probably choose something with a strong atmosphere. I’d love either a very natural shoot outdoors, maybe around horses and beautiful landscapes, something calm and effortless, or the complete opposite, something more extreme, with action or even extreme sports. I like concepts that make you feel something and that have a real energy behind them
9.- What is one unexpected or funny moment you have experienced while working as a model?
One funny thing about me is that sometimes I can get a little chaotic when I’m preparing for something and I end up forgetting things. It can be something small, like the camera card, or something more important, like the heels I’m supposed to wear. One time I even forgot the outfit I needed for a competition. So sometimes you’ll see me running from one place to another trying to fix everything at the last minute… and somehow I still manage to forget something. At this point, I think it’s part of the experience.

10.- Who inspires you when you need to remember why you started?
Honestly, sometimes what motivates me most is the doubt of other people. In this industry, you sometimes hear comments that make it seem like a woman can’t reach a certain level on her own, or that there must always be someone behind her making it happen. I don’t really agree with that, and in a strange way, those comments motivate me even more. They remind me why I started and push me to keep working, growing and proving to myself that you can build something through your own effort, discipline and determination
11.- What have you learned about confidence through modeling that you did not understand when you first began?
I think one of the biggest things I’ve learned is that people can look at you because they admire you, not because they’re judging you. When I first started, I was much more aware of what people might think, but modeling really helped me build confidence in myself. It taught me to feel comfortable being seen, to trust myself more and to stop overthinking every little thing. I think that kind of confidence is something every girl should have, not because of how she looks, but because she knows her own value.

12.- If you could spend one afternoon learning about the heritage of another Miss Heritage contestant, whose culture would you be curious to discover?
I’d probably choose one of the countries I haven’t had the chance to visit yet. That’s actually one of the reasons I’m so excited to go to Asia for Miss Heritage Global. I really enjoy discovering new cultures, traditions and ways of living, especially when I can learn directly from the people who are part of them. I think that’s one of the nicest things about an international pageant, you meet so many different people and you get to learn something from each of them
13.- What part of your personality do you hope people see beyond the beauty, fashion and pageant images?
I hope people can also see the woman I’m becoming beyond the beauty, fashion and pageant side. I really enjoy femininity, elegance and modeling, but that’s only one part of me. I’m also a very active person, I do a lot of sports and I love trying new things and challenging myself.
At the same time, being independent is very important to me. I like building things for myself, taking responsibility and being involved in everything I do. That’s also one of the reasons why I decided to start my own company. I think all these different sides of me ,feminine, active, curious and independent , are equally important and together they show who I really am.

14.- After Miss Heritage Global, what exciting chapter would you love to open in your career?
I’ve actually just started my own interior design company, so after Miss Heritage Global I’d really love to focus more on growing that side of my career as well. I hope I can build something I’m proud of and see it develop in the right direction.
I’d also love for that to show other girls that you don’t have to choose only one path. You can enjoy modeling and pageants, but at the same time build something for yourself, whatever that may be. I think the most important thing is to follow something you truly care about and that makes you happy.

15.- PING PONG PERUMIRA
Europe — Home
Heritage — Identity
Model — Expression
Elegance — Grace
Beauty — Character
Camera — Confidence
Runway — Energy
Crown — Gratitude
Travel — Freedom
Family — Everything
Inspiration — Growth
Dream — Achievement
Success — Courage
Future — Dedication
Moldova — Experience



Interview conducted by Jaime William Mostacero Baca with – Soraya Filippelli – Italia Romania
English language
Interview authorized : Soraya Filippelli – Perumira – Jaime William
All Rights Reserved in the name of Soraya Filippelli – Perumira – Jaime William

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