Pinay crowned Miss World New Zealand 2014

Another Filipina has made her mark in the beauty pageant circuit after being crowned Ms. World New Zealand 2014, the Philippine Embassy in Wellington said in a news release.

Arielle Diane Garciano, who has a Filipino father and who was born in New Zealand, won the beauty pageant held at Rendezvous Grand Hotel in Auckland on April 26.

“This year I will be focusing on Miss World, modelling, [and] charity events for my Miss World Beauty with a Mission,” Garciano said.

She is also actively helping the Miss World New Zealand organization raise money for Lynn, a Filipina child who was chosen to undergo facial surgery.

Garciano thanked her Filipino supporters and the Filipino community in New Zealand who gave her the confidence to best the pageant.

She has gone to the country a few times to visit her father's family.

“I love the Philippines so much it's a beautiful country. If I could, I would visit every year. Hopefully, I can make it this year, maybe after the Miss World 2014 final in November that will be held on London,” Garciano said.

She hopes to accept the crown from Filipina actress Megan Young who was crowned Miss World last year after besting 126 candidates.

Garciano's father hails from Camotes island, Cebu and moved to New Zealand 32 years ago where he met Arielle's British mother in Lyttelton, Christchurch.

Garciano, 22, is the youngest of four siblings. She studied at Cashmere high school and is currently working as a branch sales coordinator for a plumbing supply chain. — Andrei Medina/JDS, GMA News