ANOTHER CROWN. Cebuana nurse Rizzini Gomez wins Miss Tourism International in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. File photo from her Facebook page

MANILA, Philippines – Fresh from the victory of Janine Tugonon as Miss Universe first runner-up, the Philippines won another international beauty pageant crown.

The Philippines’ Rizzini Alexis Gomez was crowned Miss Tourism International 2012 in the pageant held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on New Year’s eve, December 31.

On the pageant’s Facebook page, organizers announced the results of the competition. “Congratulations to Miss Philippines who [was crowned] as our new Miss Tourism International 2012/2013.”

Gomez bested 55 other finalists from all over the world. The 22-year-old Cebuana is a registered nurse.

The other winners are:

• Miss Tourism Metropolitan International: Miss Australia
• Miss Tourism Global: Miss Venezuela
• Miss Tourism Cosmopolitan International: Miss Paraguay
• Dreamgirl of the Year: Miss Malaysia

Miss Tourism International is an annual beauty contest that began in 1994 in Malaysia. It is traditionally held on New Year’s Eve and aims to promote Malaysia’s tourism industry and cultural exchange.

NEW QUEEN. Rizzini Gomez follows Janine Tugonon, becoming the second Filipina to bag an international beauty pageant title in the same month. File photo from Gomez's Facebook page

In a previous interview with The Freeman, Gomez said she had months of preparation for the pageant night to impress the judges.

“I’d do it through education because it allows us to get acquainted with our beautiful past, helps us learn and appreciate our present and lets us plan for a bright and better future. It will open up opportunities that can help our nation move forward and make the world a better place to live in.”

She has said, “We wouldn’t want to only show other countries that we are very vibrant, but we are also home of the world-class and skillful Filipinos that help bring about the best of what our country has to offer and we can proudly say, it’s more fun in the Philippines.” – Rappler.com