TOKYO, Japan—Justine Felizarta from the Philippines captured first runner-up honors in the 31st Miss Tourism World pageant held in Vietnam on Saturday, with Erina Hanawa from Japan edging her out for the top prize.
The pageant was a last-minute assignment for the 28-year-old Felizarta.
When she received the Miss World Philippines-Tourism title for finishing as First Princess in the national pageant held in June, the title did not come with a global competition for her to participate in.
The Miss World Philippines organization announced her appointment as the country’s representative to the 2022 Miss Tourism World pageant only last month.
In the international tilt, Felizarta also received the Best in Evening Gown award.
Host delegate Le Thi Huong Ly finished third overall, with Iana Sharikova from Russia and Adeduro Adetola from Nigeria claiming the fourth and fifth places, respectively.
The Philippines scored its first, and so far only, victory in 2002 when Michelle Reyes captured the crown in the pageant held in Antalya, Turkey.
Reyes’ victory at that time came just a year after she won the Miss Tourism International title.
She was appointed by the Binibining Pilipinas Charities Inc. (BPCI) in both competitions. She was first runner-up in the national pageant’s 2001 edition.
Felizarta herself is also an alumna of the Bb. Pilipinas pageant. She has also participated in the Miss Universe Canada pageant.
The Miss Tourism World pageant held in Vietnam should not be confused with the other contest with the same title that will take place in Sri Lanka later this month.
gsg
