Puerto Rico won its second Miss International title with Valerie Hernandez, who was recently crowned as Miss International 2014 at the Grand Prince Hotel Takanawa in Tokyo, Japan, on Nov. 12, Tuesday, The Philippine Star reported.
Hernandez bested 72 candidates aged 19 to 26 from all over the world. Before her, Puerto Rico's first Miss International crown was won by Laurie Simpson in 1987.
In 2012, Hernandez also became the fourth Puerto Rican to win the Miss Teen International title, following Katherine Gonzalez Rivera in 1997, Yara Lasanta in 2001 and Mayra Matos in 2006.
During the Miss International 2014 question-and-answer portion, Hernandez said, "Thinking about Miss International title, I think it's not just crown. It's not just the title. It's one of the hardest responsibilities. As Miss International, I want to send a message of love, peace and unity."
While she finished first runner-up in the Miss International Puerto Rico 2014 pageant, Hernandez assumed the title and represented the country after the original winner Patricia Quiñones resigned her title.
As Miss International 2013 Bea Rose Santiago from the Philippines passed the crown and cape to her, Hernadez became emotional, describing her win as one of the most beautiful experiences she ever had in her ife, ABS-CBN News reported.
"I feel great, this is an honor for me. This is the second crown for Puerto Rico," she said.
The Miss International 2014 first runner-up title went to Miss Colombia Zuleika Suárez, who also won two special awards, Miss Friendship and Miss Best Dresser.
Other winners were Miss Thailand Punika Kulsoontornrut as second runner-up, Miss United Kingdom Victoria Tooby as third runner-up and Miss Finland Milla Romppanen as fourth runner-up.
Those who also made it to the top 10 were Miss Brazil Deise Benício, Miss Argentina Josefina José Herrero, Miss Mexico Vianey Vázquez, Miss Panama Aileen Bernal and Miss Indonesia Elfin Pertiwi Rappa, who also won Best National Costume.
Miss Internet Beauty was awarded to Miss India Jhataleka Malhotra, while Miss Perfect Body was given to Miss France Aurianne Sinacola.