Karen Gallman picks up two special awards at 47th Miss Intercontinental kickoff

Filipina-Australian beauty queen Karen Gallman is off to good start as the 47th Miss International pageant kicked off on Thursday.

More than 80 delegates walked the runway at Sofitel Philippine Plaza for the official press presentation.

Members of the press voted for their favorite at the end of the show and Karen had the room’s support.

The Philippine representative also picked up the Standout Beauty award from official sponsor H&H.

Karen, who has roots in Bohol and Brisbane, is making a bid for the Philippines’ first Miss Intercontinental crown.

Japan is the official host country of the pageant, but the organization decided to stage the competition in the Philippines to make way for the preparations for the 2020 Olympic Games.

The coronation night will be held at the Mall of Asia Arena on January 26. — LA, GMA News