The Philippines is ending the pageant season on a high note with its representative Katarina Rodriguez placing first runner-up in yesterday’s Miss Intercontinental competition in Hurghada, Egypt.
She was bested by Veronica Salas Vallejo from Mexico who was crowned Miss Intercontinental 2018. Other runners-up include 2nd runner-up Cathelijne Heppenhuis from the Netherlands, 3rd runner-up Amanda Cardoso from Brazil, 4th runner-up Lizeth Villanueva from Colombia, and 5th runner-up Lee Su Jin from Korea.
In a Facebook Live message to her supporters back home, Rodriguez said: “It was a tough ride. It was a lot of work, alot of hours. And mabuhay pa [sic] (long live), mahal kita (I love you).”
“I told you earlier, we’re strong. We know who’s talented and who’s not. But the winner, Miss Netherlands, and I, everyone in the top five, we’re all talented, promise,” Rodriguez said in Filipino in the same Facebook Live video.
“From the beginning of the pageant to the very end of the pageant, we are all deserving. Thank you again so much for all the support. I love you guys and I cannot wait to go home.”
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Apart from placing, Rodriguez was also awarded Miss Intercontinental Asia and Oceania. She is the fifth Filipino to place in the top five in this last year’s international beauty pageant season.
Miss Grand International Philippines Elizabeth Clenci and Miss Globe Philippines Nelda Ibe both placed 2nd while Miss Earth Philippines Karen Ibasco and Reina Hispanoamericana Filipinas Winwyn Marquez nabbed the crowns.
The Philippines has never won a Miss Intercontinental crown.
