SHE THOUGHT another girl would win. So when Christi Lynn ?Ashley? McGarry?from the Filipino community in the United States? East Coast?was proclaimed Best in Figure during the 2010 Mutya ng Pilipinas Swimsuit Competition, she was ?extremely overwhelmed.?

?I still don?t know how to take it all in. I?ve gotten a lot of love [so far],? Ashley told Inquirer Entertainment after the program held Aug. 13 at the Sheridan Beach Resort and Spa in Puerto Princesa, Palawan.

Of course she hoped to win, said the 20-year-old university student, but she knew she had stiff competition.

All 24 delegates paraded in white bikinis before local residents and tourists on a stage that faced the magnificent coastline in Sitio Sabang.

?I thought Jam [Marasigan, Mutya ng Guiguinto] was it. I understand beauty when I see it,? said Ashley.

Pangasinan?s Barbara Salvador, Batangueña Suzette Hernandez, Sharon Angel from Lapu Lapu City and hometown girl Cindi Madumma rounded up the Top 5.

Ashley, born in New Jersey, is no stranger to beauty tilts. She was the first Miss Teen Philippines-USA in 2004 and placed second in the Miss Teen New Jersey-USA pageant in 2005, besting over 200 hopefuls.

Last February, representing the Philippines, she placed sixth in the Top Model of the World competition in Germany.

To prepare for Friday?s competition, Ashley ?nibbled.? She related, ?We had a huge welcome lunch, and there was so much delicious seafood. I walked away from the table.?

She revealed her regular workout: Leg raises and squats to tone her abdominal muscles and legs. ?I don?t work out my arms because they?re already skinny,? she added.

The 2010 Mutya ng Pilipinas pageant will select three winners to represent the country in the Miss Asia Pacific, Miss Intercontinental and Miss Tourism International competitions. It will also send the country?s representatives to the Queen of the Year and Top Model of the World contests.

Coronation night is set Aug. 28 at the newly-built Performing Arts Theater of Resorts World Manila in Pasay City.

Mutya ng Pilipinas 2006 Kirby Ann Basken and last year?s first runner-up Samantha East will host the finals night, which airs on ABS-CBN Sept 5 at 10:30 p.m.