Boholana is Bb Pilipinas Intercontinental 2018!

Finally, after 12 long years, another Boholana won for Bohol its second Bb Pilipinas crown. Karen Juanita Boyonas Gallmann who traces her roots in Ubay was officially crowned as Bb Pilipinas- Intercontinental 2018 and will represent the country in the Miss Intercontinental pageant. 

Ms. Gallman was one of six Bb Pilipinas titleholders who were crowned in glittering ceremonies at the SMART Araneta Coliseum last weekend.

Forty beauties from all over the country competed during the pageant finals after hurdling the series of screenings. From the 40 candidates, 25 advanced to the swimsuit and evening gown rounds. 

The ladies were whittled further to the top fifteen who underwent the Q & A. A lengthy deliberation by the judges & the organizers then followed before the announcement of winners.

Ms. Gallman first competed in the 2012 edition of Bb Pilipinas where she was voted Miss Photogenic and selected as one of the Top Twelve finalists. This year, the 25 year old Business Arts major in Management degree holder from Griffiths University in Brisbane, Australia decided to give Bb Pilipinas another try. An analyst by profession, Ms. Gallman has to put on hold a job offer in London to fulfill her Bb Pilipinas duties and responsibilities.

Karen during the National Costume Show & the Parade of Beauties

Karen was born in Sept 27, 1992 in Ubay, Bohol to retired World War II German soldier Gavin William Gallman and to Editha Boyonas, a native from Bohol. She had her formative years in Bohol where she also had her primary school education. The family later migrated to Brisbane, Australia. 

Pegged by pageant websites and blogs as one of the frontrunners for one of the six crowns at stake, Karen gave a very polished presentation during the pageant night. Her stunning red sequined gown with the fit-and-flare silhouette was one of the sartorial standouts that evening and helped propel her into the final round.

Karen Juanita Boyonas Gallmann is Bb Pilipinas- InterContinental 2018

She gave pageant fans a momentary scare during the Q & A when she gave a tentative answer to the question from Miss International 2005 Precious Lara Quigaman “Do you agree that a third restroom should be built for transgenders? Why or why not?” 

Her answer: 

“I definitely agree there should be a third restroom for transgender because us women would like a privacy and also with men, and we have a separate room for the transgender. It just serves as an equality and privatization. Thank you.”

While I am in no position to cast judgment on her answer, Karen should be reminded that for a transgender to achieve equality, she should be given the chance to use the ladies’ restroom.

A friend remarked “Karen may have won a Binibini crown but she just lost favor with the LGBT community”

Hypocritical fans should understand that fluency with the English language is not an assurance that you can express your thoughts fluidly onstage. I believe it was a matter of sheer nerves that got to Ms. Gallmann especially in the make-or- break Q & A portion. 

The Boholana during the 2018 Bb Pilipinas pageant finals

Winning one of the six crowns in one competitive Binibini batch is a big cause for celebration. After the congratulatory hugs and kisses, Your Roving Eye is confident that Karen will buckle down to work and prove to one and all that she is one deserving winner.

Congratulations to the former Miss Ubay 2007 titleholder who is now a Bb Pilipinas queen!