Miss Tourism Queen International 2006 - Missosology Philippines

THE Philippines' Justine Vinluan Gabionza, 23, was crowned as Miss Tourism Queen International 2006, besting 86 other contestants worldwide at the beauty pageant held in Huangzhou, Zhejiang, China last Saturday, July 8.

Standing 5'8" and measuring a near perfect 34-24-35 inches, Justine became the first Filipina to win in the 8-year history of the international pageant and succeeded last year’s winner, Nicoletta Ralli of Greece.

A crowd favorite, Justine won second place at the Miss Bikini side pageant two weeks ago and was also voted as third overall for the Miss Cyberpress subsidiary title. For the finals, Justine wore a Filipiniana costume with matching parasol created by Jonti Martinez; her deep pink haltered beaded gown was designed by Nicky Martinez.

Named as first runner-up was another crowd favorite, Gordana Strajin of Serbia & Montenegro, who days before, won as Miss Cyberpress. Second runner-up was the Republic of Congo's Fatouma Eboundit while the third runner-up was Singapore's Laxmi Ssunita. Rounding up the top 5 was Brazil's Livia Pratissoli.

Completing the 10 finalists were: Nicole Yu of China, Sujittra Praarktitsukhum of Thailand, Katalin Polgar of Hungary, Pamela Saucedo of Bolivia and Gladira Robles of Puerto Rico.

Rounding up the 15 semi-finalists were: Rupali Suri of India, Malgorzata Kiezik of Poland, Julie Breham of Monaco, Michaela Knapcova of the Slovak Republic, Elodie Charron of Martinique and Natalie Gillard of Australia.

The winners and runners-up will remain in China for a week longer, fulfilling their duties with sponsors and the press. As the new Miss Tourism Queen International, Justine received $30,000 in cash and other prizes from sponsors.

MISS TOURISM QUEEN INT'L WINNERS '06 - From left: 3rd runner-up Laxmi Ssunita of Singapore, 1st runner-up
Gordana Strajin of Serbia & Montenegro, Miss Tourism Queen International 2006 Justine Gabionza of the
Philippines, 2nd runner-up Fatouma Eboundit of Congo and 4th runner-up Livia Pratissoli of Brazil.

Justine, a graduating BS Tourism student of UST, was 3rd runnerup at the 2001 Miss Global Queen Philippines pageant. In 2002, she won as Miss Philippines-Air and placed as 4th runnerup at the Top Model of the World pageant in Dusseldorf, Germany. Two years ago, Justine also placed second at the Miss Asian Formula 3 pageant.

A much sought after ramp and commercial model, Justine's many commercials include those of a popular restaurant where she played Piolo Pascual's girlfriend who got a spec in the eye, and that of a popular gin brand where she played one of the many bikini-clad girls in an isolated tropical island. When not in school or modeling, Justine is into taekwondo and boxing; until a few years back, she was into competitive fencing.

Handpicked by Carousel Productions, Inc. for the Miss Tourism Queen International pageant on very short notice, Justine left for China a month ago and even requested this writer to make a "Miss Philippines" sash for her less than 24 hours before her departure! Almost short on available materials, I had to use my resourcefulness and ingenuity and luckily pulled the feat; a few hours before her departure, my photographer and I were even able to engage Justine on an impromptu photo shoot with her brand new sash.

"AMBASSADOR JUSTINE" - 2006 Miss Tourism Queen International Justine Gabionza receives a plaque of
recognition from PTA general manager Robert Dean Barbers at the Club Intramuros last July 18.

MISS Tourism Queen International 2006 Justine Vinluan Gabionza arrived in Manila last Tuesday, July 18, 2006 from her victorious feat in Hangzhou, China last July 8, and was given a warm welcome party by the Philippine Tourism Authority (PTA) at the Club Intramuros in Manila.

Resplendant in a blue green Jonti Martinez gown, 23-year-old Justine was welcomed by PTA officials led by its general manager and CEO Robert Dean Barbers who also gave the newest Filipina world beauty queen a plaque of recognition for her effort in promoting tourism abroad by way of her pageant triumph. She was given a distinguished "Ambassadress of Goodwill" title as PTA's newest endorser of its various tourism projects all over the country.

Justine, who won as Miss Philippines-Air in 2002, was also welcomed by fellow "Carousel beauties" namely: 2006 Miss Philippines-Earth Catherine Untalan, 2006 Miss Philippines-Air Ginger Ann Conejero and 2006 Miss Philippines-Fire Francis Diane Cervantes. Carousel Productions Inc. officers led by Ramon Monzon and Lorraine Schuck were also present to welcome the newest toast in beauty queendom; Carousel is the local licensee to the Miss Tourism Queen International pageant.

A most in-demand ramp and commercial model, Justine is a veteran of many beauty pageants since 2001 and has used this background to good advantage in the China pageant where she defeated 86 other contestants worldwide. When asked during the final interview portion what are her qualities that would make her win the title, Justine replied: "It would be my being adventurous and energetic. Aside from the beauty and grace, I should set a good example to women to be able to promote the cause of this pageant which is tourism."

Congratulations, Justine and Carousel Productions…Mabuhay ang gandang Pilipina!

Photo Gallery
Photos by Melvin H. Sia

QUEEN JUSTINE - Justine poses in full regalia at the Club Intramuros.

WINNING FORM - Justine is 5'8 and measures 34-24-35.

PINAY PRIDE - Newly crowned Miss Tourism Queen International Justine Vinluan Gabionza of the Philippines
executes her victory walk at the conclusion of the beauty pageant in Hangzhou, China July 8.

MISS TOURISM QUEEN INT'L WINNERS '06 - From left: 3rd runner-up Laxmi Ssunita of Singapore, 1st runner-up
Gordana Strajin of Serbia & Montenegro, Miss Tourism Queen International 2006 Justine Gabionza of the
Philippines, 2nd runner-up Fatouma Eboundit of Congo and 4th runner-up Livia Pratissoli of Brazil.

QUEEN OF THE WORLD - Justine assumes her throne as the new Miss Tourism Queen International.

CAROUSEL FAMILY - From left: Carousel Productions president & CEO Ramon Monzon, executive vice preseident Lorraine Schuck, Miss Philippines-Air '06 Ginger Conejero, Miss Philippines-Earth '06 Cathy Untalan, PTA CEO Robert Dean Barbers, Miss Tourism Queen Int'l '06 Justine Gabionza, Miss Philippines-Fire '06 Francis Diane Cervantes, vice president for
projects Peachy Veneracion and vice president project coordinator Joji Felix Velarde.


		Justine Gabionza crowned as Miss Tourism Queen Int'l By JOSE D. PATAO, JR. THE Philippines' Justine Vinluan Gabionza, 23, was crowned as Miss Tourism Queen International 2006, besting 86 other contestants worldwide at the beauty pageant held in Huangzhou, Zhejiang, China last Saturday, July 8. Standing 5'8" and measuring a near perfect 34-24-35 inches, Justine became the first Filipina to win in the 8-year history of the international pageant and succeeded last year’s winner, Nicoletta Ralli of Greece. A crowd favorite, Justine won second place at the Miss Bikini side pageant two weeks ago and was also voted as third overall for the Miss Cyberpress subsidiary title. For the finals, Justine wore a Filipiniana costume with matching parasol created by Jonti Martinez; her deep pink haltered beaded gown was designed by Nicky Martinez. Named as first runner-up was another crowd favorite, Gordana Strajin of Serbia & Montenegro, who days before, won as Miss Cyberpress. Second runner-up was the Republic of Congo's Fatouma Eboundit while the third runner-up was Singapore's Laxmi Ssunita. Rounding up the top 5 was Brazil's Livia Pratissoli. Completing the 10 finalists were: Nicole Yu of China, Sujittra Praarktitsukhum of Thailand, Katalin Polgar of Hungary, Pamela Saucedo of Bolivia and Gladira Robles of Puerto Rico. Rounding up the 15 semi-finalists were: Rupali Suri of India, Malgorzata Kiezik of Poland, Julie Breham of Monaco, Michaela Knapcova of the Slovak Republic, Elodie Charron of Martinique and Natalie Gillard of Australia. The winners and runners-up will remain in China for a week longer, fulfilling their duties with sponsors and the press. As the new Miss Tourism Queen International, Justine received $30,000 in cash and other prizes from sponsors. MISS TOURISM QUEEN INT'L WINNERS '06 - From left: 3rd runner-up Laxmi Ssunita of Singapore, 1st runner-up Gordana Strajin of Serbia & Montenegro, Miss Tourism Queen International 2006 Justine Gabionza of the Philippines, 2nd runner-up Fatouma Eboundit of Congo and 4th runner-up Livia Pratissoli of Brazil. Justine, a graduating BS Tourism student of UST, was 3rd runnerup at the 2001 Miss Global Queen Philippines pageant. In 2002, she won as Miss Philippines-Air and placed as 4th runnerup at the Top Model of the World pageant in Dusseldorf, Germany. Two years ago, Justine also placed second at the Miss Asian Formula 3 pageant. A much sought after ramp and commercial model, Justine's many commercials include those of a popular restaurant where she played Piolo Pascual's girlfriend who got a spec in the eye, and that of a popular gin brand where she played one of the many bikini-clad girls in an isolated tropical island. When not in school or modeling, Justine is into taekwondo and boxing; until a few years back, she was into competitive fencing. Handpicked by Carousel Productions, Inc. for the Miss Tourism Queen International pageant on very short notice, Justine left for China a month ago and even requested this writer to make a "Miss Philippines" sash for her less than 24 hours before her departure! Almost short on available materials, I had to use my resourcefulness and ingenuity and luckily pulled the feat; a few hours before her departure, my photographer and I were even able to engage Justine on an impromptu photo shoot with her brand new sash. "AMBASSADOR JUSTINE" - 2006 Miss Tourism Queen International Justine Gabionza receives a plaque of recognition from PTA general manager Robert Dean Barbers at the Club Intramuros last July 18. MISS Tourism Queen International 2006 Justine Vinluan Gabionza arrived in Manila last Tuesday, July 18, 2006 from her victorious feat in Hangzhou, China last July 8, and was given a warm welcome party by the Philippine Tourism Authority (PTA) at the Club Intramuros in Manila. Resplendant in a blue green Jonti Martinez gown, 23-year-old Justine was welcomed by PTA officials led by its general manager and CEO Robert Dean Barbers who also gave the newest Filipina world beauty queen a plaque of recognition for her effort in promoting tourism abroad by way of her pageant triumph. She was given a distinguished "Ambassadress of Goodwill" title as PTA's newest endorser of its various tourism projects all over the country. Justine, who won as Miss Philippines-Air in 2002, was also welcomed by fellow "Carousel beauties" namely: 2006 Miss Philippines-Earth Catherine Untalan, 2006 Miss Philippines-Air Ginger Ann Conejero and 2006 Miss Philippines-Fire Francis Diane Cervantes. Carousel Productions Inc. officers led by Ramon Monzon and Lorraine Schuck were also present to welcome the newest toast in beauty queendom; Carousel is the local licensee to the Miss Tourism Queen International pageant. A most in-demand ramp and commercial model, Justine is a veteran of many beauty pageants since 2001 and has used this background to good advantage in the China pageant where she defeated 86 other contestants worldwide. When asked during the final interview portion what are her qualities that would make her win the title, Justine replied: "It would be my being adventurous and energetic. Aside from the beauty and grace, I should set a good example to women to be able to promote the cause of this pageant which is tourism." Congratulations, Justine and Carousel Productions…Mabuhay ang gandang Pilipina! Photo Gallery Photos by Melvin H. Sia QUEEN JUSTINE - Justine poses in full regalia at the Club Intramuros. WINNING FORM - Justine is 5'8 and measures 34-24-35. MISS TOURISM QUEEN INT'L WINNERS '06 - From left: 3rd runner-up Laxmi Ssunita of Singapore, 1st runner-up Gordana Strajin of Serbia & Montenegro, Miss Tourism Queen International 2006 Justine Gabionza of the Philippines, 2nd runner-up Fatouma Eboundit of Congo and 4th runner-up Livia Pratissoli of Brazil. PINAY PRIDE - Newly crowned Miss Tourism Queen International Justine Vinluan Gabionza of the Philippines executes her victory walk at the conclusion of the beauty pageant in Hangzhou, China July 8. MISS TOURISM QUEEN INT'L WINNERS '06 - From left: 3rd runner-up Laxmi Ssunita of Singapore, 1st runner-up Gordana Strajin of Serbia & Montenegro, Miss Tourism Queen International 2006 Justine Gabionza of the Philippines, 2nd runner-up Fatouma Eboundit of Congo and 4th runner-up Livia Pratissoli of Brazil. QUEEN OF THE WORLD - Justine assumes her throne as the new Miss Tourism Queen International. CAROUSEL FAMILY - From left: Carousel Productions president & CEO Ramon Monzon, executive vice preseident Lorraine Schuck, Miss Philippines-Air '06 Ginger Conejero, Miss Philippines-Earth '06 Cathy Untalan, PTA CEO Robert Dean Barbers, Miss Tourism Queen Int'l '06 Justine Gabionza, Miss Philippines-Fire '06 Francis Diane Cervantes, vice president for projects Peachy Veneracion and vice president project coordinator Joji Felix Velarde.


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