25 year-old Zara Carbonell has led an interesting life in pageantry. The former backpacking globetrotter experienced highs and lows in her pursuit of a crown that will significantly complete the chapters of her career devoted to gowns, heels and all the trappings of a beauty contest. Let’s not dwell on the heartbreaking moments, though.

Right now, Zara is on a natural high as she is poised to represent the country in an international competition (her second actually, but the more visible and talked-about attempt in my opinion). As the appointed Miss Tourism Worldwide Philippines 2018, she will travel to two ASEAN countries in the inaugural edition of Miss Tourism Worldwide. And the official sendoff earlier at Vikings-SM Jazz Mall showed this beautiful lass at her loveliest, complete with the support of her loving parents, brother, grandmother and aunt.

From September 3-9, she will be hopping from Singapore to Bintan to Batam (the 2nd and 3rd places are both in Indonesia) along with the other candidates of the pageant that will endeavor to create a more meaningful approach to Tourism and its allied causes.

Zara is ecstatic to say the least. She is primed to step up to the plate and come back with a victorious homecoming towards mid-September. And her preparations cannot be discounted. She will be bringing a well-thought-of wardrobe that will compliment her daily appearances in all pre-pageant activities leading to the finals night. She has even prepared a song number (with the help of her mom, Zharine) that will definitely impress the judges and organizers in the Talent Competition.

Watch out for Zara’s conquest of the international crown and let’s cheer her all the way to #1!