It's been whirlwind journey for Valerie West, a 22-year-old newly-certified EMT (Emergency Medical Technician) from New York, USA who is now representing the Ifugao region in the Miss Universe Philippines pageant.
On January 25, West was crowned Reina Filipina North America. Soon, she found herself in the Philippines, ready to compete for the chance to represent the country in the Miss Universe pageant set in Thailand this year.
