Cebuana beauty closes 2012 by winning Miss Tourism Int'l 2012

A Cebuana ended 2012 with a bang and kicked off 2013 on a high note for the Philippines after she was named Miss Tourism International 2012 on December 31. Rizzini Alexis Gomez bested over 50 candidates from other countries in the pageant held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Gomez won Mutya ng Pilipinas 2012 Tourism and represented the Philippines in the international pageant. Aside from the crown, the 22-year-old also bagged the award for best in evening gown. Asked if it was her first time to join an international pageant, Gomez told Balitanghali's Luane Dy: “Opo, this is my first time [joining] for an international pageant.” This is the second time that a Filipina has won in the Malaysian-based beauty pageant with the first win coming from Esperanza Manzano back in 2000. Gomez will be returning to the Philippines on January 3 and plans to pay her respects and gratitude at the Basilica of Santo Niño in Cebu. “Very, very beautiful” was how the newly crowned Miss Tourism International described her experience in Kuala Lumpur. “It's actually my first time here in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia and I feel like I'm at home because the people are very, very hospitable po dito and accomodating just like Filipinos,” she said. Gomez mentioned that her one of her siblings came to watch her and provide support during the pageant. Asked if her heart already belonged to someone special, Gomez said, “Actually mayroon na pong nagmamay-ari ng puso ko. Tatlong lalaki po ang nagmamay-ari. Ang daddy ko po at ang dalawa ko pong kapatid na lalaki.” To aspiring beauty queens, she advised, “Just believe in yourself and always pray and never forget the people who have helped you on your way to the top.” - Andrei Medina, VVP, GMA News