WATCH: Did Miss Intercontinental Philippines Katarina Rodriguez expect to win?

Before Miss Intercontinental Philippines 2017 Katarina Rodriguez was crowned, she emerged as the crowd favorite and one of the strongest contenders to bring home the Miss Universe Philippines crown.
 
Did it ever sink in to this Filipino-American beauty that she will represent the country on the Miss Universe stage? “No naman kasi this batch was really hard, and you know who the strong girls are, and they’re my friends. You [want to] root [for] them as well,” she said in an interview on News to Go.
 
During their journey towards the coronation night, they have gotten to know themselves as well as their opponents better, “You know your weaknesses and your strengths, and you can [also] point the strengths and weaknesses of the other girls.”
 
The former Asia’s Next Top Model Cycle 2 contestant revealed it was difficult to know who would stand out since “we’re all so different” in the pageant, but they all hoped for the best.
 
In the end, she thought their titles are well-deserved, “The placement, I believe, is proper [and appropriate]. I believe there are times I’m more [Miss] Intercontinental material.”

She and Miss Universe Philippines 2017 Rachel Peters are now working on towards a common goal, and that is to represent the country well in their respective pageants.

MORE ON KATARINA RODRIGUEZ:
 
READ: Miss Intercontinental Philippines Katarina Rodriguez dispels rumors about title resignation
 
LOOK: Sino mas maganda, si Aiai Delas Alas o si Miss Intercontinental PH Katarina Rodriguez?