Asian Journal- The Filipino-American Community Newspaper

To date, the Philippines is the only Asian country to win the Miss International title when Gemma Cruz became the first Asian crowned as Ms. International in 1964. This was followed by Aurora Pijuan in 1970, Melanie Marquez (the youngest to ever win the title) in 1979, and Precious Lara Quigaman in 2005.

Equipped with much poise and confidence that she will represent the Filipinos well, Bb. Pilipinas-International Krista Eileen Arrieta Kleiner hopes to add another victory for the country this time as she flew to Chengdu, China recently to prepare for the grand finals of the Miss International 2010 competition that will be held on November 17.

Trained by former Ms. Universe 1969 Gloria Diaz and Ms. Universe 2010 runner-up Ma. Venus Raj, Krista says during an interview during her send-off party last October 19 that she "has been working hard and studying" as much as she can and has been giving her all especially in preparing to perform her self-written song with the help of her boyfriend, R&B singer Jay-R.

She also said during a separate interview with Ricky Lo that she has been "reviewing tapes of pageants, meeting with former Binibinis, learning to speak Chinese, researching not only about Philippine culture but also Chinese culture, training with the Bayanihan dancers on poise and grace, exercising, dieting, everything!

Winning an international title, however, was not a first for Krista. The Binibining Pilipinas-International title is so far the most prestigious Krista won under her name. Prior to being crowned as this year’s Bb. Pilipinas-International, Krista also gained titles Miss USA-Philippines 2007, Miss Pistang Pilipinas Queen of Tourism, and Miss Young Philippines-USA in the previous years.

Krista further shows her versatility as an actress, singer, model, a martial artist, a host, and a dancer under GMA Network.

Being a talented singer and dancer (with a background of jazz and latin ballroom) also gave Krista a chance to be a part of the worldwide concert tour of the international award-winning balladeer Julio Iglesias after the latter’s concert in the Philippines early this year. During the tour, Krista danced with the back up dancers and was introduced by Julio as his "special guest from the Philippines" in singing Dahil Sa’Yo.

Born and raised in the United States, Krista grew up in Orange County, California where she graduated from Fullerton Union High School with honors and attended the University of California in San Diego. Her mother is a Filipina and her father is of a British-German descent.