I have been so engrossed with blogging about Miss Universe 2009 that it slipped my mind to pitch in for the other Filipina representing the Philippines in the ongoing Miss Tourism Queen International 2009 in Zhengzhou, China.

Marie Razel Eguia, Miss Philippines in the ongoing Miss Tourism Queen International Contest in Zhengzhou, China

Marie Razel Eguia when she was named Miss Philippines-Air 2008 which earned her the right to compete in Miss Tourism Queen International 2009.
Our bet, Marie Razel Eguia (who hails from Dipolog City), is in the thick of pre-pageant activities leading to the pageant finals on August 30. She will be competing with 97 other delegates for the title last won by a Filipina (Justine Gabionza) back in 2006. She earned the right to compete here by virtue of placing as Miss Philippines-Air (1st Runner-Up) in Miss Philippines-Earth 2008 (won by Karla Henry who eventually became the Philippines’ first Miss Earth winner.)
This beauty contest may not ring a bell to most, but Miss Tourism Queen International actually belongs to the quintet of “Grand Slam” Pageants around the globe, together with Miss Universe, Miss World, Miss Earth and Miss International.

Miss Tourism Queen International 2008, Silvia Cornejo of Peru
The reigning winner is Silvia Cornejo of Peru.

Razel (left) placed 3rd in the Best in Evening Gown Award of the preliminaries. She is shown here with Misses Venezuela (1st) and China (2nd)
Let’s all wish Razel the best of luck come Sunday’s finals!
image from the competition is courtesy of the MTQI site.