The hosting of the 47th Miss Intercontinental in the Philippines from January 9-26, 2019 is already a sealed deal with the finals scheduled to take place at the Mall of Asia Arena. And as Bb. Pilipinas Intercontinental 2018, Karen Gallman has the double assignment of being a most gracious and hospitable host delegate as well as winning the country’s first-ever crown in the said competition. It is not an easy task honestly, but neither is it a tall order the way I see it.
A hometown decision is always met with resistance by all other participating countries. But our representative is dead serious in claiming the victory that has been “robbed” from us at least twice. The 2nd Runner-Up finish of Kris Tiffany Janson last 2015 was a close call and we know the controversy surrounding the results at the time. The 1st Runner-Up placement of Christi McGarry last 2016 should have already earned for us the much-awaited win. And the identical rank of Katarina Rodriguez last January in Egypt was such a major source of complaint from Filipino pageant fans who could not accept the decision. That was supposed to be our big moment finally.
So here comes the Philippines hosting Miss Intercontinental for the first time. Will we finally get the well-deserved #1 position?
What do you think, dear readers?
Since Missosology already made an official post about the 47th Miss Intercontinental to be hosted in the country come January, 2019, the question in the mind of some pageant followers is this: will the chance of Bb. Pilipinas Intercontinental 2018 Karen Gallman winning the crown be lessened because of this development? We are tired of being perennial runners-up in the competition. And as Host Delegate, Karen might end up getting the same placement like that of Katarina Rodriguez or Christi McGarry or Kris Tiffany Janson.
Bb. Pilipinas Intercontinental isn’t exactly the crowd-pleaser of a crown compared to the other titles being handed out in the nationals. Perhaps, the 1st Runner-Up placement of Katarina Rodriguez last January is still fresh in the memory of Filipino pageant fans and how we all felt “cheated” in a way for not getting the title that our bet rightfully deserved. Or collectively as well, the pageant doesn’t get a resounding round of applause from us because the organizers have always been giving us runner-up placements at best, but never a #1 finish.
#Binibini23 Ena Louis Velasco gets mixed reactions from almost every corner. It’s either they don’t like the over-all look and appeal she gives out, or the fact that being a Medical Doctor is giving her the kind of advantage that no other candidate can come forward with. And getting into the good grace of BPCI in the process. In fairness to this Bacolod lass-by-way-of-Cebu, she is competing with marked consistency in person. While this may not translate to what you are looking for in photos, then we will all know on March 18 if her diligent efforts will not be put to waste. 
Prior to the actual National Costume Presentation of Bb. Pilipinas 2018, the forty (40) Binibinis walked the stage in Jag Jeans and showed their fiercer and sexier side while showing off their curves in the latest collection of the denim brand. Reigning titleholders Rachel Peters, Mariel de Leon, Chanel Olive Thomas, Elizabeth Clenci, Nelda Ibe and Katarina Rodriguez led the group. Here are some photos from the said segment of the fashion show held last Saturday night.
Bb. Pilipinas Intercontinental 2017 and Miss Intercontinental 2017 1st Runner-Up Katarina Rodriguez is back in the Philippines. And boy, did she really enjoy the extended stay in Egypt. The time allowed her to process all the events leading to the finals night of her pageant. Yes, she gained weight. But she can lose the same in time for the Bb. Pilipinas 2018 Finals on March 18 for sure.
