Driven by the desire to achieve her goals, the country’s official representative to the 57th Miss Universe pageant proves to be a woman fueled with confidence by faith.

Jennifer Barrientos, the country’s reigning Binibining Pilipinas-Universe, is more than a stunning combination of beauty and brains. While a commanding presence at 5 feet 8 inches, she exudes an aura of enlightenment, brought about by being active in her local church ministry as a youth leader. But she also attributes some lessons in faith from 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 also claims that she values her Binibining Pilipinas experience as it teaches her different values by the day, as she goes about performing her various duties as a reigning queen. “Most importantly, I have learned a great deal about being independence, 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. Jennifer had 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. Now she divides her time between her church duties and being a freelance model, and of course, training as the official Philippine representative to the Miss Universe pageant to be held at the Crown Convention Center in Nha Trang, Vietnam on July 14, 2008.

Jennifer is one of the three Binibining Pilipinas 2008 title holders crowned recently, together with fellow queens Patricia Fernandez (Binibining Pilipinas International) and Janina San Miguel (Binibining Pilipinas World). Known as the country’s most prestigious pageant with four decades of glorious existence, Binibining Pilipinas is responsible for sending the official Philippine representatives to the three different international pageants recognizing beauty and the campaign for various causes worldwide.

“I intend to pursue the ongoing campaign for awareness on HIV and AIDS,” Jennifer answers when asked about her plans for advocacy. She also adds that she intends to focus on 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,” she justifies.

Jennifer radiates true Filipina beauty inside and out, as she achieves her goals by the day 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 universe.

Source: Binibining Pilipinas. Photos courtesy of OPMB.

Evening Gown:

National Costume:

Swimsuit:

Credits: HO/Miss Universe L.P./LLLP