A Palmerston North woman will be taking on the world at an international beauty pageant.
Insurance and mortgage specialist Carmela Laylo won the first Mrs Universe New Zealand pageant in Auckland in late September. She will compete against other winners at the world final, held in Guangzhou, China, in December.
Laylo, 40, said it was exciting to win the first New Zealand version of the competition.
“It hasn’t quite sunk into my mind yet, who would have thought a mother three would have made it.
“I’m not just going to represent Palmerston North, I’m representing the country… I’m very excited.”
The Mrs Universe New Zealand competition is for women aged between 21 and 55. To win the pageant, Laylo had to do all the classic pageant events such as swimwear, sportswear and gown modelling, as well as produce a three-minute video raising awareness for victims of family violence.
Laylo was prepared to face stiff competition at the world final from the other contestants. She has been doing catwalk training, practising her singing and dancing for the talent section and reading about current events for the question and answer section.
“I’ve seen photos of them [other contestants] on Instagram. They are all very beautiful ladies.”
She will also have to model swimwear, sportswear and a national costume which she has yet to decide on.
She said she was looking forward to meeting the other contestants and learning about different cultures.
During the 11-day trip to China, Laylo will have to provide her own outfits and accessories for different events, including dinners and sponsor events. To raise money for her wardrobe, Laylo is holding a brunch and bake sale at The Esplanade on November 2.
Originally from the Philippines, Laylo has lived in Palmerston North for the past seven years. She is on the board of trustees for St Mary’s Catholic School and is part of Kapatiran Prayer Fellowship.
Since she came to New Zealand, Laylo has also done work for Save the Children and Shine, a charity that helps survivors of domestic abuse.
Originally published on Stuff.co.nz: https://www.stuff.co.nz/manawatu-standard/news/116585708/palmerston-north-woman-representing-new-zealand-at-mrs-universe-in-china