Entertainment

Valerie Weigmann: We can do it, a back-to-back win

Chuck Smith - The Philippine Star

October 13, 2014 | 4:33am

MANILA, Philippines – Newly-crowned Miss World Philippines 2014 Valerie Weigmann aims to win the Miss World crown this year after Megan Young's historic victory at the international beauty pageant last year.

“I'm looking forward to the challenge. I want to show my fellow countrymen that I can do it, that I can be the best that I can be,” she told members of the press after the Miss World Philippines 2014 coronation night on Sunday.

Valerie added: “We can do it, a back-to-back win.”

Asked how to she plans to give the Philippines a back-to-back Miss World victory, she said: “I will be the best that I can be. I will show them how amazing we are, how hardworking we are, how much we deserve to it, to get the back-to-back win.”

“I will give my best and be the best that I can be,” she further said.

The 24-year-old TV host-actress said she did not expect to win the Miss World Philippines title despite receiving almost all the special awards during the pageant. She received the Best in Swimsuit, Best in Fashion Runway, and Best in Long Gown awards, among many others.

IN PHOTOS: Miss World Philippines 2014 coronation night

The former “Pinoy Big Brother” contestant did not see herself as a favorite during the competition, adding she was there for the experience.

“Of course, for me, it's a once in a lifetime experience. So I'm just happy and blessed that I received this title,” she said.

Valerie also said: “Win or lose, you're still gaining the experience. So when I go in, I don't want to set that I want to win. Because in the end, you have to think also about the friendships that you are making during the whole contest.”

“It's really unexpected for me. I didn't want to focus too much on winning because I want to experience, I want to enjoy the whole moment.”

Winning a back-to-back title at the Miss World may sound difficult, but it's not impossible. So far, two countries have won the title two years in a year.

Sweden won the Miss World title in 1951 and 1952, while India got the crown in 1999 and 2000.

Megan, meanwhile, was named Miss World in 2013. She is the first Filipino to win the title at the said international pageant.

“I'm very confident we will have a very strong showing for the Philippines. I have not seen the candidates from the other countries but you can never tell. We can also do what Sweden and India did in the past to win the crown two years in a row. And that is really my most fervent prayer,” Miss World Philippines Cory Quirino said.

“I feel we have a strong chance. I have a feeling,” she added,

Quirino described Valerie as “pageant-ready” and “a natural on stage.”

The Miss World 2014 pageant will be held on December 14, 2014 in London, England.