Miss Philippines Alexandra Faith Garcia has arrived safely in Turkey where she will compete in the Miss Aura International 2021 beauty pageant.
"As I received the honor of becoming the first Miss Aura Philippines, I know that the title comes with great responsibility. I pray that the entire Philippines will rally behind me. To all the people who continue to believe in me, my gratitude goes to all of you, and I am forever indebted. I will do my best to raise our flag in the Miss Aura International 2021 pageant," Garcia said.
Garcia believes that the Philippines will support her in her final pageant journey.
"As I venture out to Antalya, Turkey, I’m taking you all with me. I have my whole country across my heart to support me. The moment I've been waiting for is bound to happen. After all the hard work, sleepless nights, training, and preparations, all I say is that I’m all set to raise our flag in the Miss Aura International 2021," she added.
This will be the first time that the Philippines is participating in the said international pageant. Established in 2006, the contest was formerly known as Miss Kremer International.
The Miss Aura International Philippines Organization initially planned to hold a national pageant, but due to time constraints and the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, they opted to hold a special screening.
After considering the international pageant's requirements and qualifications, Alexandra was chosen as the inaugural Philippine representative. During the final selection process, she won the nod of the organization as she fits the 4Bs qualifications that the international pageant is looking for - Beauty, Behavior, Brain, and Body.
Garcia, from Olongapo City, is no stranger to beauty pageants as she had participated in several national pageants since 2012. She joined Miss Silka Philippines 2013, Mutya ng Pilipinas 2014, Reyna ng Aliwan 2015 and Bb. Pilipinas 2016 and 2020/2021 editions.
The 16th edition of Miss Aura International has been scheduled to take place from Sept. 20 to Oct. 5, 2021 at Rixos Sungate Resorts, Antalya City, Turkey. Organized by Turkish business tycoon Adnan Seker, more than 40 countries and territories are expected to compete for the crown. Portugal's Andreia Correia is the reigning winner.
Miss Aura International Philippines Organization is headed by Kathleen Katniss Griffiths - a Fil-Am Designer from California. Griffiths own the Philippine franchise and also serves as the National Director. Other members of the Org are Jovita C. Laureola (Managing Director), Ferdinand Abejon (Overall Pageant Coordinator and PR Director) and Kenley Filarca (Multimedia Director).