BEST ASIA MODEL. Joy Marie Gangan at the Miss Tourism World Philippines in Manila last November. Photo by Oscar Kidra Fajamolin Jimenez Jr. posted in his Facebook page

MANILA, Philippines - Filipino model Joy Marie Gangan won Best Asia Model in the Best Model of the World 2012 in Istanbul, Turkey.

1985 Binibining Pilipinas Universe Joyce Burton-Titular broke the news in her blog, Adventures of a Beauty Queen, on December 9.

According to Titular, 18-year-old Joy Gangan is a "farmer girl from the province of Isabela," and that the award she received is given to the "most stunning Asian contestant" in the pageant.

Gangan competed with 50 other models from around the world.

Miss Tourism World Philippines, franchise holders of Best Model of the World, broke the news to Titular.

According to Titular, there is another pageant with a Philippine representative before the much-awaited Miss Universe 2012 on December 20 (Manila) with Janine Tugonon:

Miss Tourism World 2012 in Bangkok on December 15, Sunday.

Meryl Angeline King will represent the Philippines. - Rappler.com