AT A GLANCE
The lovely women of San Felipe with their sun-kissed complexion are also starting to maketheir mark in pageantry.
This summer, a lot of people will surely flock to San Felipe, Zambales for its pristine natural beauty. Only a three-hour drive from Manila, it's a must-see for its expansive coastline, beautiful mountain views and beaches.
The lovely women of San Felipe with their sun-kissed complexion are also starting to make their mark in pageantry. The latest star to shine is Carol Abundo who was barely 14 when she was adjudged Miss Teen Tourism Philippines and will represent the country in the coming Miss Teen Tourism international competition in June. This early, she is being molded to showcase her best skills by her handler, Bienvinido Gamboa Jr. and the JosephC Casting Agency of talent manager/national director Josephus Canabuan, the same man behind the success of several pageant winners.
Carol revealed that she wants to be a doctor one day but modelling is something that she has dreamed of since she was three years old. "Little did I know that doors would open for me in modelling. I have been fortunate to join several photo shoots and a runway show. I love how fashion and make-up can transform my innocent face into a variety of characters. I am still gathering enough confidence to walk the ramp as a career but I know I can work it out. The perseverance and determination is something that I got from my mom, Margie, who's an Overseas Filipino Worker."
As San Felipe's beauty ambassador, the young queen recently made a courtesy call to San Felipe Mayor Reinhard Jeresano and barangay Sto. Nino officials led by captain Elbert Abille.
The mayor noted that Carol's feat will surely be an inspiration to her peers. "Aside from this, we're proud of anyone from our town who will compete nationally or anywhere. One of the things we're promoting right now is our tourism industry. During the rainy season, we have the Keri Khariton Festival where they decorate the karitons and pull the carabaos to go inside the Anghalo Falls. We likewise have the Aldaw Ti Minatay during All Saint's Day and Christmas villages in December."
"When San Felipe is mentioned in a pageant, it's also a promotion for us, especially if we are represented by someone as young and beautiful as Carol," the mayor added.
Carol also paid a visit to San Rafael Technical Vocational High School where she is currently enrolled as a junior high school student. The school's principal, Mr. Ernesto Fogata, commented that Carol's crowning as Miss Teen Tourism Philippines 2024 is a "tremendous honor. It highlights our commitment to nurture young talents and empower them to reach for their dreams."
The principal pointed out that while it's not easy for Carol to juggle her studies and the demands of outside activities, "she remained focused on her goals and her perseverance helped her to overcome obstacles along the way."
"Carol's achievement has inspired and motivated everyone in the school, and we support her all the way. Her success at a young age serves as a reminder that with hard work and dedication, anything is possible. She has instilled a sense of pride and aspiration within our school community," Fogata stressed.
