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Biography
Karen Juanita Gallman (born September 27, 1992) is a Filipina Australian beauty queen, who was crowned as Miss Intercontinental 2018.
Early life and education
Gallman was born in Bohol, Philippines to Gavin Gallman Snr, an Australian World War 2 veteran and Editha Boyonas, a school teacher. Speaking both Bisaya and Tagalog, Karen and the family moved to Brisbane, Australia in the year 2000. She finished her secondary at Olivarez College. She obtained her bachelor's degree in Business Management majoring in International Business at the University of Queensland. Upon graduating Karen secured a graduate role with a management consulting firm in London.
Pageant competitions
Gallman was a candidate at the Binibining Pilipinas 2012 competition, representing the city of Bohol and finishing in the top 15.
Binibining Pilipinas 2018
Gallman competed in the Binibining Pilipinas 2018 competition held at the Araneta Coliseum, Manila where she was crowned Miss Intercontinental Philippines 2018 by outgoing queen, Katarina Rodriguez.
Miss Intercontinental 2018
Gallman represented the Philippines in the Miss Intercontinental 2018 pageant held at the Mall of Asia, Manila where she was crowned Miss Intercontinental 2018 by outgoing queen Veronica Salas Vallejo of Mexico. Competing against 90 other contestants from around the globe, Karen became the 1st Filipina to win the Miss Intercontinental crown in the pageants 47-year history. During the final question and answer portion, all the contestants were asked the same question by the host: "How do you define success?", she answered:
“For me, success is not just about winning in life but setting goals, smaller goals, and achieving your dreams and working hard for everything you want, and always looking up to God and being thankful for everything. For me, that is success.”
Gallman was personally congratulated by former President of the Philippines and the Mayor of Manila when she paid a courtesy call on Estrada at the latter's office in Manila City Hall. She was also congratulated by the Mayor and Governor of her home Province of Ubay, Bohol.