"I Know, Mananalo Ako This Year." Bb. Pilipinas-Universe JENNIFER BARRIENTOS

On July 14, our very own Bb. Pilipinas-Universe 2008 Jennifer Barrientos will be vying for the crown, along with 79 other women from different countries, in the 57th Miss Universe Beauty Pageant to be held at the Crown Convention Center in Nha Trang, Vietnam.

Jennifer left the country last June 18 for Vietnam. But before she left, a send-off party was held in her honor at the Mandarin Oriental Suites in Gateway Mall, Quezon City, on June 12. At the party, Jennifer expressed confidence that she'll bring home the crown and make the Philippines proud.

"I don't have doubts in myself and, of course, I have great people who helped me and I believe in them. I know deep in my heart, really, mananalo ako this year," she said in a TV interview.

The 22-year-old Tourism graduate is driven by the desire to achieve her goals. She attributes her confidence to her being an active youth leader in their church ministry and from the lessons in faith during her experience as a beauty queen.

"Joining Binibining Pilipinas taught me lessons in faith as well—faith in myself, in the things I can do for others, how I can make a difference," she enthuses with a charming smile.

Jennifer values her Binibining Pilipinas experience as it teaches her different values by the day, while she performs her various duties as a reigning queen.

"Most importantly, I have learned a great deal about being independent, how to effectively do things on my own," she adds.

The eldest child of Nestor and Elena Barrientos, Jennifer is always eager to meet new people and hone her talents. She unwinds by engaging in water sports and playing volleyball.

The 5'8" beauty-and-brains previously worked as a Welcome Ambassador for the Star World Hotel in Macau after earning her BS Tourism degree from the University of Santo Tomas.

"I intend to pursue the ongoing campaign for awareness on HIV and AIDS," Jennifer answers when asked about her plans.

She intends as well to advocate the rights of women and children as well as the development of the arts, particularly music.

"I would want to pursue advocacies close to my heart as I believe I will be more productive promoting these causes."

Jennifer radiates true Filipina beauty inside and out, as she strives for her goals, driven by the strength of her faith. She is indeed out to do her country proud as she competes in one of this year's most anticipated beauty pageants featuring the most beautiful women in the world.