MANILA, Philippines?Fresh from her victory in the Mutya ng Pilipinas pageant, Jacqueline Schubert faces an even greater challenge as she competes against 63 beauties in her first international competition.

Jacqueline, crowned Mutya ng Pilipinas-Tourism on August 9, is the country?s representative to the Miss Intercontinental tilt being held in the City of Minsk, Belarus.

The 5?6,? 18-year-old, hip-hop dance instructor was the crowd favorite in Mutya, where she represented the Filipino community in Northern Germany. The Filipino-German was also proclaimed Best in Swimsuit, Best in Sabutan Costume and Aurora Province Star of the Night.

Jacqueline was supposed to compete in the Malaysia-based Miss Tourism International pageant this December. But since the Miss Intercontinental pageant was based in Germany, the organizers thought that?s where Jackie should compete, according to Mutya president Roberto de Venecia.

?I am very excited,? Jacqueline told Inquirer Entertainment during a simple send-off party at the Banana Leaf Curry House at the Podium in Ortigas. ?I am focusing on staying fit and learning more about Philippine culture.?

Indigenous costume

She said she will use the costume made of indigenous sabutan fiber, and the silver gown she wore during the Top 12 parade in Mutya, for the national costume and evening gown segments, respectively. Renee Salud will make the rest of her wardrobe.

She was slated to represent her mother?s native Cebu in Mutya, but organizers thought it was more appropriate for her to wear the Northern Germany sash.

Jacqueline, who studied Economics at the Berufsbildende Schule in Wildeshausen, Germany, plans to pursue further studies in fashion design. She also hopes to try her luck in Philippine show biz.

Jaqueline left for Minsk on September 11, hoping to bag the country?s first Miss Intercontinental title and the platinum crown embellished with 720 diamonds and valued at $361,000. It is believed to be the most expensive beauty pageant crown.