With confidence, 2007 Bb. Pilipinas-International Nadia Lee Cien Shami said at yesterday’s media send-off that she hopes to bring home the country’s fifth Miss International crown (after Gemma Cruz in 1965, Aurora Pijuan in 1970, Melanie Marquez in 1979 and Precious Lara Quigaman in 2005).

Half-Arab and half-Filipino, Nadia is leaving on Sunday, Sept. 30, for Tokyo where she will compete with 63 other beauties from the same number of countries at the 47th Miss International pageant on Oct. 15.

A deadringer for 1972 Bb. Pilipinas-International Yogi Dominguez, Nadia (who also looks Venezuelan) is going to Tokyo fully prepared. She has taken crash courses in charm and poise, and brushed up on things Japanese.

But then, since the Philippines won the title only two years ago, would that adversely affect Nadia’s chances?

“It does put some pressure on me,” said Nadia, “but I hope the judges won’t take it against me.”

Philstar.com