21-year-old Valerie Hernandez from Carolina, Puerto Rico, bested equally beautiful women from all over the world to bring home the title of the pageant's 54th annual event held at the Grand Prince Hotel Takanawa in Tokyo, Japan.

Hernandez, garbed in gold embellished gown, fell into tears while Miss International 2013 winner Bea Santiago of the Philippines crowned her as this year's queen.

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Miss Puerto Rico gave an appealing answer during the question-and-answer rounds leading to the finals. She said: "Thinking about [the] Miss International title, I think it's not just crown, it's not just the title, it's one of the hardest responsibilities.

"As Miss International, I want to send a message of love, peace, and unity."

Following Hernandez are the top five winners: first-runner up, Miss Colombia Zuleika Suarez, second runner-up, Miss Thailand Punika Kulsoontornrut, third runner-up Miss UK Victoria Tooby and fourth runner-up Miss Finland Milla Romppanen.

Hernandez was trained as a classical ballerina at the Escuela de Bellas Artes de Carolina, she said in her Facebook page.

She previously worked as Pizza Hut and Professional Gym.

Miss Argentina Josefina José Herrero, Miss Brazil Deise Benício, Miss Indonesia Elfin Pertiwi Rappa, Miss Mexico Vianey Vázquez and Miss Panama Aileen Bernal rounded up the top 10.

First runner-up Suárez won two special awards, Miss Friendship and the Miss Best Dressed.

Meannwhile, Miss Indonesia was awarded with Best National Costume.

France's Aurianne Sinacola won the Miss Perfect Body title.

Miss International is one of the major international beauty pageants that aims at promoting "Love peace and excitement to the world."

The winner, as well as the contestants, are looked upon to serve as "ambassadors of peace and beauty,"  extolling the virtues of "tenderness, generosity, friendship, beauty, intelligence and a great international sensibility."

TagsMiss International, Miss Puerto Rico, Valerie Hernandez