MANILA, Philippines – Miss World Philippines 2014 Valerie Weigmann said that she is looking forward to going to London as the country’s representative in the Miss World pageant this December. (READ: Valerie Weigmann joins Miss World Philippines)

When asked what advice reigning Miss World Megan Young gave her about that competition, the model and former Eat Bulaga co-host said: “ [She told me to] be focused. If you really want something, then give your best. But at the same time, be true to yourself.”

In a short chat with Rappler during her send-off on Monday, November 17, Valerie, who was crowned last October 12 at the Mall of Asia Arena, said that she has been busy preparing for the competition, as well as attending to her duties with the Miss World Philippines organization. 

“One word – amazing! I am blessed to have everyone, all the supporters, and the awareness I was raising for my advocacy which was Musikaramay. I never thought that it could match with the right platform like Miss World Philippines,” she said. 

Valerie said she is looking forward to having her photo taken with the famous red telephone booth and going to see Stonehenge. She is also looking forward to meeting the Overseas Filipino Workers based in the UK.

“I am really excited to meet everyone, all the Filipinos there and I just want to thank them one by one if I can for all the support that I am getting. And really try to talk to them about their lives in Europe, so that’s what I want to do, and say thank you for what they are doing there,” she said. 

As for the pressure for a back-to-back title, Valerie said that she is simply relaxing and looking forward to meeting all the delegates in London. (READ: Miss World PH 2014 Valerie Weigmann: This is for the Philippines)

“I think the best thing to do is to relax and think that something amazing is going to happen. That’s actually that part where I relax already,” she said.

The Miss World coronation will be on December 14. – Rappler.com