The 47th Miss InterContinental and her KISS 102.3 FM Radio Interview

When news came that Ms. Karen Juanita Boyonas Gallman would be jetting in to Bohol for her triumphant homecoming & thanksgiving visit, Your Roving Eye took it as just another news assignment to cover and to report on.

with Panglao Mayor Nila Montero , Cong. Aris Aumentado & wife Vanessa at 

Alona Tropical Beach Resort Welcome Dinner

selfie with the gorgeous Karen Gallman

Who would have thought that it would be an encounter of a lifetime? As I headed off to the Panglao Airport for the arrival of the latest addition to Bohol’s pride, my mind brought me back to that fateful month a year ago when Ms. Gallman became the second Boholana to be crowned a Bb Pilipinas titleholder. She was Bb Pilipinas- InterContinental 2018 which meant she was to represent the country in the pageant assignment that has been very elusive to the Filipina. The best finish ever by a Filipina in Miss InterContinental was by Christi Mc Garry and Katarina Rodriguez as 1^st RU in 2015 and 2018, respectively.

Karen holds a copy of the Bohol Chronicle

 With Bohol Chronicle Radio Corp. staff

Karen expresses delight upon seeing her pageant victory as headline

Anyway, we were able to squeeze into Ms. Gallman’s very tight three- day schedule in her home province a quick visit and interview at the Bohol Chronicle Radio Corp. office before proceeding to Ubay for her homecoming visit. The formidable task of interviewing the first Boholana international pageant titleholder on air fell into my lap at the last- minute.

with DJ Inday Rufing, Vanessa Aumentado, Mommy Editha Boyonas & Sir Peter Dejaresco

 

sharing a laugh with Ms. Gakkman during her interview

 

And so there I was right at the office to meet Ms. Gallman, her mom Editha Boyonas and Maria Vanessa Aumentado, wife of Cong. Aris Aumentado who facilitated and organized the homecoming along with the LGU of Ubay and the LGU of Panglao.

with Christopher Lumactud, BCRC official photographer

my fave photo with Karen & Vanessa 

After presenting Ms. Gallman copies of the Bohol Chronicle issue that bannered her Miss InterContinental triumph, we sat her down at the KISS 102.3 FM's deejay's booth and briefed her on the quick radio interview. 

MORE TO FOLLOW

Karen Gallman's Heartwarming Homecoming Visit to Bohol

Bohol was thrown in a tizzy when Karen Juanita Boyonas Gallman, Bohol’s first international beauty titlist arrived for her homecoming. Everywhere she went, she was a headturning sensation. Who wouldn’t be when you are blessed with the best of the East & the West and gifted with doses of that self- assuredness and confidence that comes with a well- deserved victory. 

UP CLOSE & PERSONAL: Karen Gallman during her press conference

Photo Credits: TJ Medrana

It was a heartwarming welcome indeed with a series of events packed into a tight three – day visit. At the Panglao Airport, she was welcomed by by a group of wellwishers led by her relative Cong. Erico Aristotle Aumentado of Bohol’s 2^nd District, wife Mrs. Vanessa Aumentado and Hon. Aya Montero on behalf of the Panglao LGU. Karen got emotional when she saw the group of Panglao school kids who were waving flaglets and screaming her name at the arrival area.  

Overwhelmed with the Panglao schoolkids who waved flaglets in the air

 Cong. Aris Aumentado & wife Vanessa Aumentado 

led wellwishers in welcoming Karen Gallman 

WARM WELCOME: Panglao Mayor Nila Montero at 

Alona Tropical Beach Resort & Hon. Aya Montero at the airport

From the airport, she was whisked off to Alona Tropical Beach Resort where a press conference and a welcome dinner awaited her. She charmed Bohol’s media with her wit & candor, endearing smile, feminine allure and charming beauty 

With Your Roving Eye & Mrs. Vanessa Aumentado

With Cong. & Mrs. Aris Aumentado & media maven Ardie Araneta 

The following day, she had a quick stopover at the Bohol Chronicle Radio Corp. office for a photo opportunity and an interview at KISS 102.3 FM with Your Roving Eye before proceeding to Ubay for her homecoming visit that included a courtesy call, campus tour, visit to the Philippine Carabao Center - Ubay Stock Farm, homecoming parade & reconition program. 

With Bohol Chronicle issue that bannered her pageant victory

With Bohol Chronicle Radio Corp. staff

Your Roving Eye presents copy of Bohol Chronicle issue 

with lifestyle section feature on her

It was a whirlwind visit but Karen never showed any hint of fatigue, irritation nor restlessness. She was in fact very grateful for the heroine’s welcome accorded her by her paisanos who were proud and thankful for the honor & recognition she gave her town Ubay and her home province Bohol.

Time stood still in Ubay when Karen had her homecoming parade 

Photo Credits: Ric Obedencio

SPECIAL THANKS & recognition to the town of Ubay led by Mayor Constan Reyes and Cong. Aris Aumentado with the help of wife Vanessa a former beauty queen herself & other officials who facilitated and coordinated the visit of Karen Gallman an Ubayanon who gave honor, pride & recognition not only to Ubay but also to her home province of Bohol and the Philippines when she became the first Pinay to be crowned Miss InterContinental. 

Ms. Gallman speaks to a jampacked crowd in Ubay and 

encouraged the youth to chase after their dreams

Ubay Science High School students present a 

charcoal portrait to a delighted Karen

 PRIDE OF UBAY: Ubay Mayor  Constan Reyes presents Ms. Gallman 

a plaque of recognition while Cong. Aris Aumentado looks on

Photo: Ric Obedencio

Ms. Gallman was born at Barangay Fatima in Ubay to Gavin William Gallman, a retired Australian soldier, and Ubay native Editha Boyonas on September 27, 1992 and had her formative years in Brgy. Bood where they had a farm before migrating to Australia at the age of eight. 

as Miss Philippines during the 47th Miss InterContinental Pageant  

Her journey towards the Miss InterContinental crown began when she was crowned Miss Ubay 2007 at age 14, competed in Bb Pilipinas 2012 where she was voted Miss Photogenic and made it as Top 12 Finalist. She was convinced by Madame Stella Marquez to compete again but not before getting a Business Arts major in Management at the Griffiths University in Brisbane, Australia. 

showcasing the beauty, charm & intelligence of the Boholana on the global stage

She joined Bb Pilipinas again last year where she won the Bb Pilipinas- InterContinental 2018 crown. She and Catriona Gray are the only Bb Pilipinas queens of their batch to win their respective international assignments.

From Miss Ubay 2007 to being crowned the 47^th Miss InterContinental.

Karen Gallmann is Hot Favorite for the 47th Miss Intercontinental crown

Indeed, there’s a beautiful reason for Bohol to be smiling a lot these days. You see, Karen Juanita Boyonas Gallman who traces her roots in Ubay, Bohol is representing the Philippines in the ongoing 47^th edition of the Miss Intercontinental Pageant being held here in the country. 

Karen Gallman is enjoying herself immensely at the pageant

Ms. Gallman, born in Ubay, Bohol to retired World War II German soldier Gavin William Gallman and a native from Bohol Editha Boyonas. She had her formative years in Ubay, Bohol where she also had her primary school education. 

Karen Sizzles in Her Swimsuit Shoot

Photo Credits: Raymond Saldana Photography

She was even crowned Miss Ubay 2007 although she didn’t compete in Miss Bohol that year.The family later migrated to Brisbane, Australia. She has a degree in Business Arts major in Management at the Griffiths University in Brisbane, Australia.

PRESS PRESENTATION STANDOUT. Karen Gallman is recipient of both 

the Standout Beauty & Media Favorite awards

PRESS FAVE Karen is competing with more than 80 beauty delegates from around the world and during the 47^th Miss Intercontinental Pageant Press Presentation held at the Visayas Ballroom, Sofitel Philippine Plaza, Pasay City, January 10, she won both the Standout Beauty and the Media Favorite awards.    

PRELIM WINNERS. Belarus is Best in Gown, Paraguay is Best in Swimsuit & 

Philippines is Miss Body Beautiful   Photo Credits: Aya Tantiangco

BEAUTY OF BOHOL SHINES THROUGH 

PRELIMS STANDOUT During the swimsuit & evening gown preliminaries held earlier this week at Okada Manila, Karen was given the Body Beautiful award, a special prize from the pageant’s sponsor.

With three special awards, Karen has now been installed as one of the top favorites for the Miss Intercontinental crown which has been very elusive to the Filipina bets.  The closest we had to winning was the 1st Runner Up finish of both Katarina Rodriguez last year and Christi Lynn Mc Garry back in 2015.

Shall we see the crowning of a Boholana as the first Filipina Miss Intercontinental?

We shall find out this Saturday, January 26 at the Mall of Asia Arena

Part I: Boholanas Who Made a Mark in Bb Pilipinas

With the 55^th edition of Bb. Pilipinas taking place on March 18, Your Roving Eye will take you to a stroll down memory lane and give the spotlight again to the lovely Boholanas who made a mark in the country's most prestigious beauty pageant either as winner, runner up or finalist.   

Only a handful of Boholanas have placed or made a mark in Bb. Pilipinas. In fact, only seven of them have earned the distinction.

THE MAGNIFICENT SEVEN ARE:

THE TITLEHOLDER:

2006 Bb Pilipinas- World: Anna Maris Igpit  

2006 Anna Maris Igpit of Panglao is the first and only Boholana to have won a Bb. Pilipinas crown. She was named the country’s bet to Miss World 2006 held in Warsaw, Poland. 

She made it as Beach Beauty finalist and was voted by readers of Poland’s biggest newspaper as one of the Five Most Beautiful Miss World 2006 Candidates.

THE RUNNERS UP:

1979 Bb Pilipinas 1st Runner Up

1979 was the year that a Boholana finally made it to the winners’ circle. The beautiful Perla Fernando Salig of Loboc was named 1^st Runner Up.  Perla competed in Bb. Pilipinas after she was crowned as Queen of Circulo Boholano de Cebu, the biggest and oldest Cebu- based association of Boholanos.  

Almost immediately upon arrival in Manila, she caught the eye of the organizers and the press for her natural beauty, charming personality and unaffected manners.

The Boholana’s achievement was truly remarkable because it was rare for girls from the provinces to get noticed in the national competition. She made it on her own with no connections whatsoever.

2009 Bb Pilipinas 1^st Runner Up: Richelle Angalot  

2009. Twenty years after Perla’s 1^st RU placement, another Boholana achieved the same placement. Richelle Angalot , a GMA 7 contract star who goes by the screen name Rich Asuncion became the third Boholana  to make it in the winners’ circle after she was named 1^st Runner Up to Bianca Manalo.

Ms. Angalot already had a name in showbiz after being proclaimed in the GMA 7 reality talent search Starstruck when she competed in Bb. Pilipinas 2009.

THE FINALISTS: 

 Emma in Binibini//Emma with classmates during the 2012 BPHSN INTL.REUNION DAY

1968. Exactly 50 years ago, Emma Mumar made pageant history as the first Boholana to earn a placement as a Bb. Pilipinas Top 15 Finalist. 

1968 Bb Pilipinas Poolside Press Presentation

Photo Credits: Tony Paat

1968  Bb Pilipinas Top Fifteen

Photo Credits: Tony Paat

1968 Bb Pilipinas Board of Judges that included actress Susan Roces
Photo Credits: Tony Paat

1982 Rowena Burden, ,a brainy & beautiful doctor whose mom traces her roots in Bohol made it as Top 15 Semi- finalist in 1982.  Her batch included the controversial Maria Isabel Lopez who was crowned Bb. Universe and 1st RU Desiree Verdadero.

1982 Bb Pilipinas Top 15

With her stunning looks and gift of gab, Ms Burden impressed a lot of pageant watchers and organizers.

Right after the Bb. Pilipinas Pageant, Rowena was approached by Madame Stella Araneta and was requested to acquire some training and come back the following year. She declined saying she wanted to pursue her medical degree and she joined mainly for the experience.

The 1st RU Desiree Verdadero heeded Madame's advice, rejoined the pageant two years later, won the Bb. Universe crown and went on to place as 3rd RU in the 1984 Miss Universe Pageant.

TRIVIA: There was an uproar in Cebu where she was based that time when she represented Bohol instead of Cebu in Bb Pilipinas 1982.

1985. Tall and gorgeous Taina Manigque was already a top model in the country and a member of the prestigious Triumph Court of Fashion when she joined Bb. Pilipinas. She made it as Top 15 Semi- finalist. Taina comes from a family of beauty queens.

1985 Bb Pilipinas Top 15 Finalist

TRIVIA: Cita Capuyon and Desiree Verdadero, Bb. Pilipinas- Universe winners for 1983 and 1984, respectively, were both Triumph Court of Fashion members.

Her younger sister MariJo was named one of Tagbilaran's Five Prettiest in 1985 and her niece Margo Manigque was crowned Miss Tagbilaran 2006

2012 Bb Pilipinas Top 12 Finalist

2012. Karen Gallmann of Ubay who competed in the pageant’s 2012 edition made it as a Top Twelve Finalist.

Six years after her first attempt at Bb. Pilipinas,  Karen is back and has been picked by most pageant experts and websites as one of the most likely to win one of the crowns this year. If that happens, she will be the second Boholana to be crowned a Bb Pilipinas queen.

Watch the 55^th edition of the Bb Pilipinas Grand Coronation Night happening on Saturday, March 18, SMART Araneta Coliseum, 8 pm with delayed telecast over ABS CBN 2 on the same day.

Boholana Beauty in Bb Pilipinas 2018

Karen Boyonas Gallman 

Karen Boyonas Gallmann of Ubay  who traces her roots in Ubay, Bohol is one of the official candidates for Bb Pilipinas 2018. 

She first competed in Bb. Pilipinas back in 2012 where she made it as one of the Top Twelve Finalists and was selected by press photographers as Miss Photogenic.

Karen was born in Sept 27, 1992 in Ubay, Bohol to retired World War II German soldier Gavin William Gallman and a native from Bohol Editha Boyonas. 

She was raised in Brisbane, Australia. She has degree in Business Arts major in Management at the Griffiths University in Brisbane, Australia.

Karen Boyonas Gallman: Will she be the second Boholana to win a Bb Pilipinas crown?

Six years after her first attempt at Bb. Pilipinas,  Karen is back and has been picked by most pageant experts and websites as one of the most likely to win one of the crowns this year. If that happens, she will be the second Boholana to be crowned a Bb Pilipinas queen.

Watch the 55^th edition of Bb Pilipinas Grand Coronation Night, 7 pm, SMART Araneta Coliseum. Delayed telecast at ABS CBN Channel 2