Will Catriona Gray’s luck rub off on fellow Binibining Pilipinas queen Karen Gallman as she competes against over 80 delegates from around the world at the 47th edition of Miss Intercontinental pageant?
The grand coronation is happening tonight at the Mall of Asia Arena and Gallman could only hope for the best after performing well at the preliminaries.
“It’s really a huge challenge to win the only international title not won by a Filipina. I headed into this competition very well prepared. In a way, it’s also an advantage that it’s being held here in Manila,” Gallman said during a send-off party organized by the Bb. Pilipinas Charities, Inc. at Novotel Manila Araneta Center.
Like Gray, the 26-year-old native of Bohol province and former London-based trade analyst has Australian ancestry is an avid traveler and has a passion for helping poor children. She serves as one of the peace ambassadors appointed by the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process.
“Win or lose, I will continue to promote my advocacy which is to improve compulsory education in the rural areas of the country. I was born and raised in Bohol and attended primary school there. I witnessed the hardships poor students went through attending primary school. There was a huge lack of teaching materials and the quality in secondary and primary education is poor,” she mused.
Gallman, who has six siblings in the family, further said that she would like to promote her advocacy and create more awareness. And she sees winning the title as an even better platform to further a well-meaning cause.
“Seeing these children really touched my heart, that’s why I also volunteered in various orphanages,” she continued.
Revealing her game plan, Gallman said she’s been working with a styling team and has been serious with her physical training. Her team, which she personally approached to help her with her journey in Miss Intercontinental is composed of designer Louis Pangilinan, stylist Patrick Henry Mergano, make-up artist Anthea Bueno and hairstylist Renz Pangilinan. For the finals, she will wear an evening gown by Benj Leguiab and Patricia Santos.
Gallman will have to surpass Katarina Rodriguez and Christi Lynn McGarry’s first runner-up finishes to be crowned by reigning Veronica Salas Vallejo as the first Filipina Miss Intercontinental.
Gen. Bato joins Miss Intercontinental judging panel
The 47th Miss Intercontinental grand coronation night is hosted by Kapamilya talent Billy Crawford along with Japanese personality Taka Nori, and last year’s Miss Japan Intercontinental, Filipino-Japanese model Kumi Miyamae. It will be telecast on ABS-CBN and beamed via satellite on the morning of Jan. 27.
Heading the list of judges is Joanna Leonisa Oqueria Gimena Miyamae, the Chief Executive Officer of the 20-year running Miss Intercontinental-Japan as well as Miss Intercontinental Events and Management.
Joining the judging panel are trade industry business executive Marilyn de Mesa, entrepreneur and former Mr Gay World Philippines Wilbert Tolentino, former Philippine National Police Chief Gen. Ronald “Bato” deal Rosa, Turkish author and plastic surgeon Dr. Yasar Sarigul, Mexican actress and Miss Intercontinental 2010 Maydelise Columna, actor and Emmy awardee Vincent de Paul, and Falcon Crest actor Lorenzo Lamas.
