Here are other things to know about Karen:

1. Fil-Aussie – Like newly-crowned Miss Universe 2018 Catriona, Karen is of Filipino and Australian descent.

2. Pageant camp – After she won the title, Karen took to Instagram to thank the people who shared her journey. Among them is Rodgil Flores of Kagandahang Flores camp.

“KF’s one and only Tito Rodgil Flores who has been my back-bone and greatest mentor, KF’s Mommy G for making me always strive for perfection. The (Kagandahang Flores) camp and mentors for your continued support and confidence in my ability which made me work harder every day.” 3. Traveler – In a video interview, Karen said that she has already been to 30 countries. “For me, traveling gives you that exposure to different ways of life, diverse cultures and history,” she said. “And that only enhance one’s knowledge of the world. And I think that’s very important because you get inspired,” she said in the video for the Miss Intercontinental 2018 competition.

In it, she also narrated the Philippine history and how Filipinos became fighters.

“Our nation has gone through many stages from being colonized by the Spanish for almost 400 years and afterwards, the Americans and Japanese for a shorter period of time. So we really are a true fighters when it comes to adaptation and change.”

4. Love life – Karen announced her engagement to Aussie boyfriend, Ian Garton, June last year .

“…The love of my life asked me to marry him… I said YES of course! Thank you for making me the happiest girl on the planet, I am so blessed to have you in my life. I love you with all my heart,” she wrote on Instagram.

5. Showbiz – Karen wants to be an actress ever since. She wants to do a drama movie with any of Gerald Anderson, Xian Lim, and Dingdong Dantes as leading man.