Miss Fiji and 2023 Teen Face of Beauty International (FOBI) first runner-up Gitali Ram hopes to bring the Miss Universe crown to Fiji in the future.
The 18-year-old former Xavier College student competed against contestants from 27 countries in the teen FOBI pageant held in the Philippines recently.
“I am very proud because Fiji has been taking part in beauty pageants for 44 years and I am the first ever to get an international title and also make it to the top three,” she said.
Ms Ram said for two weeks, apart from participating in various rounds of the competition, she witnessed firsthand how underprivileged students struggled to get a decent education in the Philippines.
The Votualevu, Nadi, teen encouraged young girls to always believe in themselves and to never stop dreaming.
“Keep working hard and do not let anyone cut your wings.
“I want to acknowledge my parents and to all those who supported me and kept motivating me throughout my journey,” she said.
Miss Myanmar Kendra Erica was crowned the winner in the competition while Miss Samoa finished as second runner-up.
