Miss World Philippines-Tourism Justine Felizarta. Image: Miss World Philippines Photo
MANILA, Philippines—Justine Felizarta joined the 2022 Miss World Philippines pageant in her last bid for a chance to represent the Philippines on the global arena. She took home the Miss World Philippines-Tourism title, equivalent of a first runner-up spot, but it did not come with an international assignment.
But just recently, the national pageant organization announced that she will be sent to the Miss Tourism World pageant this year, a whirlwind of an appointment that saw her packing her bags for Vietnam right away to fulfill her longtime dream. And her Miss World Philippines “sisters” are just as exhilarated with the recent turn of events.
“We are so, so excited for Justine because we’ve been waiting for her to compete internationally. She’s a veteran in pageantry, and she deserves the role,” reigning Miss World Philippines Gwendolyne Fourniol told the Inquirer at the sidelines of the Christmas tree lighting program of Joy-Nostalg Hotel and Suites Manila in Pasig City on Nov. 16.
Felizarta’s fellow runner-up, Miss World Philippines-Charity Cassandra Chan, echoed Fourniol’s sentiments: “I am so giddy with excitement because Justine is so amazing. She’s already a veteran in pageantry, and all she needs is that international stage to show everyone what she’s got.”
Fourniol kept on heaping praises for the 28-year-old Felizarta. “She’s amazing, beautiful inside and out, and she has an amazing advocacy,” she said.
“We love her so much, and we’re so proud of her. We’re even thinking of flying to Vietnam to watch,” Fourniol continued.
Not to be confused with the other “Tourism” pageants, the global competition that Felizarta is competing in is organized by the Miss Tourism World Organization (MTWO) based in the United Kingdom and established in 1991.
Two Filipino women have captured the crown, both runners-up in the Binibining Pilipinas pageant—Suzanne Park Fahling who bagged the international title in 1995, and Michelle Reyes who won in 2002.
Felizarta herself is an alumna of the Bb. Pilipinas pageant. She has also participated in the Miss Universe Canada contest.
The coronation night of the 2022 Miss Tourism World pageant will be held in Vinh Yen City in Vinh Phuc Province on Dec. 3. /ra
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