She was a pageant veteran back in the Philippines and last week, Werribee’s Jaica Zacate tried her hand at the Miss World Victorian state final.
Miss Zacate was among 28 contestants who competed for one of five Victorian places in the national finals last week, with judging based on evening wear and the contestants’ personalities.
Although the 20-year-old failed to make it to the next stage, she’s keen to give it another go next year.
“I was a bit sick, so it was a bit of a struggle,” she said. “It was a really great experience.
“I just saw the ad and thought I’d give it a go.
“Meeting the girls [was my favourite part], I’ve made so many friends and we’re actually going to catch up.”
Miss Zacate grew up in the Philippines, where she used to sell fruit on the street and take part in pageants, before coming to Australia five years ago.
She was brought up by a single mother who raised three girls on her own.
Today, Miss Zacate is undertaking a bachelor of science (mathematics) and has her eyes set on working for NASA one day. She also sings, dances and plays the guitar and piano.
The Miss World Australia final will be held in August. All Miss World contestants fundraise for children’s charity Variety as part of the pageant, raising more than $100,000 to date.
