It’s a birthday to remember for Mariem Claret Velazco Garcia…

The 19-year-old Venezuelan beauty queen, a Geophysical Engineering student, has claimed the title of Miss International 2018 over the weekend, beating out the competition to win the crown on her birthday.

“This is the best birthday wish I ever had,” said Velzaco Garcia, who beat out 76 other ladies for the title. “And this one goes to Venezuela. To all my people back in my country, I love you all.”

During the pageant, Velazco Garcia, who takes piano lessons and plays tennis, gave a speech on her desire to promote reading and education among children.

The Philippine’s Maria Ahtisa Manalo was the first runner-up, South Africa’s Reabetswe Sechoaro was the second runner-up, Romania’s Bianca Tirsin was the third runner-up, and Colombia’s Anabella Castro Sierra was the fourth runner-up.

Ecuador’s Michelle Huet won the Best National Costume award, while Mexico’s Nebai Torres was named Best Dresser.

The pageant, which aims to promote world peace, goodwill and understanding, was held at the Tokyo Dome City Hall in Japan on Friday night.

Tags: Anabella Castro Sierra, Best Dresser, Best National Costume, Bianca Tirsin, Maria Ahtisa Manalo, Mariem Claret Velazco Garcia, Michelle Huet, Miss International, Miss International 2018, Nebai Torres, Reabetswe Sechoaro

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