Miss Intercontinental bet unfazed by pressure

Miss Philippines Karen Gallman admits there is pressure competing at the 47th Miss Intercontinental pageant in Manila but says she is unfazed by it.

“There is pressure on me to be the first Filipina (to win the Miss Intercontinental crown). But to me, it doesn’t make sense to put pressure on myself more. I really just wanna have a relaxed mindset and just be present as much as possible. But at the same time, I’ve prepared so hard for this competition,” Gallman said.

Gallman was off to a good start when she won two special awards during the press presentation held at luxury hotel in Pasay City last Jan. 9. She won media's choice and beauty standout presented by sponsor H&H beauty salon owned by Wilbert Tolentino.

The 26-year-old former Londonbased trade analyst is the last to compete among last year’s batch of Binibining Pilipinas queens. She cites the advantage of the international pageant being held here.

“I guess in a way it’s also an advantage that it’s being held here in the Philippines because I will have my supporters supporting me on pageant night, so I am very excited for that. At the same time I prepared so hard, it’s been very challenging and been very busy for me especially these holidays," she said. "I am going into the competition really prepared for anything."

She also acknowledged the pressure of trying to win the crown, which has so far eluded the Philippines in the pageant’s 47-year history.

In 2018, the Philippines bet Katarina Rodriguez came close to finally winning, but settled for first runner-up. Mexico’s Veronica Salas took home the crown.

To finally secure the win for the Philippines, Gallman said she has been working on her walk, eating healthy and practicing for the question and answer. She has also enlisted Patrick Star to work on her national costume and Benj Leguiab IV and Patricia Santos to design her evening gowns.

She is also using her time for various worthy causes. In September, she was appointed by the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process as one of the country’s peace ambassadors. She considers peace, education and children’s welfare as the causes she’s most passionate about.