Argentinian-Kosovar model Camila Barraza, 23, is currently in the Philippines to represent Kosovo at Miss Universe 2016. She is the first Miss Kosovo in the international beauty pageant who was not born in Kosovo.
Barraza did not grow up in Kosovo like many Kosovar celebrities. She was born in Pilar, Buenos Aires, Argentina, and only became a Kosovar citizen in December 2016.
As Miss Kosovo, Barraza represents Kosovar capital Prishtina as her hometown. She started modeling at the age of 14, according to az Aargauer Zeitung.
Nevertheless, Barraza will make Kosovo proud if she becomes Pia Alonzo Wurtbach's successor. This will make her the first Miss Kosovo to win Miss Universe.
The highest Miss Universe placement of the country is second runner-up, which was achieved by Marigona Dragusha in 2009. The most recent Miss Kosovo to place was Diana Avdiu, who reached Top 16 in 2012.
On Jan. 30, Monday, Wurtzbach will crown her successor at the Mall of Asia Arena, Pasay, Metro Manila, Philippines. The musical performers during the coronation night are Flo Rida and Boys II Men.
The judging panel includes Miss Universe 1993 Dayanara Torres from Puerto Rico, Miss Universe 1994 Sushmita Sen from India and Miss Universe 2011 Leila Lopes from Angola. Joining them are theatrical, TV and film producer Francine LeFrak, Paper Magazine editorial director Mickey Boardman and "The Real Housewives of Atlanta" star Cynthia Bailey.
Steve Harvey is returning as the host of the coronation night with "America's Next Top Model" judge Ashley Graham as the backstage host. The former arrived in Manila on Jan. 28, Saturday, ABS-CBN News reported.
On Jan. 18, Wurtzbach participated in a dinner program in Baguio City, Philippines, which was hosted by Miss Universe 2011 third runner-up Shamcey Supsup. Distinguished people of the city welcomed them along with Miss Universe Organization president Paula Shugart, Miss Universe 2016 host committee chairman Chavit Singson, who is a Filipino business tycoon and former politician, and some Miss Universe 2016 candidates including Barraza.
Have a glimpse of the Miss Universe 2016 event in Baguio here: