MANILA, Philippines – With the Miss World competition in Sanya, China, in full swing, Philippine candidate Hillarie Danielle Parungao said she is looking forward to representing the country in one of the biggest pageants in the world.

“More than anything else, I’m actually excited to represent the country in the People’s Republic of China,” Hillarie said during her send-off on November 13.

When asked, Hillarie brushed aside concerns about the possible negative effect of the ongoing dispute between China and the Philippines over the West Philippine Sea (South China Sea) on her chances in the pageant.

Hillarie said she is confident that the Miss World organization will be fair in the judging.

“The Miss World Organization really upholds the value of integrity. I don’t think they would really allow such an issue to interfere with the friendship of China and the Philippines. I don’t think there will be any dayaan (cheating)….We already escalated the issue to a higher authority anyway, so let’s wait for it,” she said.

The Philippines recently filed a case against China before a United Nations-backed tribunal in The Hague, Netherlands, to resolve the dispute. (READ: EXPLAINER: Philippines’ 5 arguments vs China)

More confident

Hillarie also said that she feels “more confident” although she’s still surprised when she’s recognized by total strangers.

“I feel more confident and I’m still not used to the fact that I’m being recognized by a lot of people. You know, I walk to the mall and people would say, ‘Oh I think she’s the new Miss World,’ and it’s a great feeling,” she added.

A nursing graduate from Nueva Vizcaya, Hillarie, 24, also gave an update on her foundation – the Katuwang Project.

“Ever since, I really have the heart for children, that is why I was able to put up my own advocacy which is called the Katuwang – a fight against child mortality which is based in my home province for now. But I’m looking forward to expanding it as I go into the international competition which is Miss World in China,” she said.

She also said that since the launch of the foundation, they were able to do a fun run and finalize a medical mission, with many organizations expressing their desire to help in their next projects.

Women of substance

This year’s Miss World competition will not have a swimsuit round, and Hillarie said she’s fine with the decision. In an interview last year with Elle, Miss World chairwoman Julia Morley said they will no longer have a swimsuit competition starting this year.

“I feel really grateful about that because ayoko talaga na ma-stereotype ang beauty competition dahil lang sa swimsuit (I don’t want beauty competition to be stereotyped by the swimsuit round),” she said, saying it was important to highlight women of substance.

Hillarie also said that aside from her preparations, she has talked with Miss World 2013 Megan Young and last year’s representative, Valerie Weigmann, to brief her about the competition.

Hillarie said that aside from the charities that Miss World and Miss World Philippines lined up for them, she and the other ladies will focus on women empowerment.

“We really want to strengthen women empowerment here in the Philippines, and I really want to create more projects for that, discover talents na makatulong sa (to help in) the next international competition,” she said.

The Miss World beauty pageant is set for December 19. – Rappler.com 

More Miss World Philippines 2015 stories here:

Coronation night:

• Hillarie Danielle Parungao crowned Miss World Philippines 2015
• FULL LIST: Winners, Miss World Philippines 2015
• Photo recap: Miss World Philippines coronation night 2015
• IN PHOTOS: Miss World Philippines 2015 swimsuit competition
• IN PHOTOS: Miss World Philippines 2015 evening gown competition

Pre-show:

• Miss World Philippines 2015 predictions: Get ready for a close race
• IN PHOTOS: Miss World PH 2015 candidates