Text & photo by JAY PATAO
THE 27 official candidates of the 5th Miss World Philippines Pageant were presented to members of media at the Solaire Resort and Casino in Parañaque City last September 29, each of them hoping to be the next Filipina Miss World after Megan Young.
Ms. Cory Quirino, national director for Miss World noted that the pageant is “continuously and intensely focused on the Miss World crown especially after Megan Young gave the Philippines its first victory in Bali, Indonesia in 2013, after a 63-year-long wait by our country.”
The event was also graced by Miss World 2011 1st runner-up Gwendoline Ruais, reigning Miss World Philippines and Miss World 2014 top 25 quarter-finalist Valerie Weigmann and Miss World Philippines 2013 2nd Princess Zahra Bianca Saldua who hosted the meet.
A merry mix of personalities from north to south of the archipelago, this year’s contestants are: Ma. Vanessa Wright (Cainta, Rizal); Jannie Loudette Alipo-on (Ilocos Sur); Danica R. Macabangon (Cagayan Valley); Sheila Mae Torino (Davao City); Christelle A. Abello (Aklan); Janelle L. Tee (Davao del Sur); Ma. Jackielyn M. Dulay (San Jose, Nueva Ecija); Kiara Giel Gregorio (Cabanatuan City); Mona Mahmound Hammad (Taysan, Batangas); Tweena Pagulayan (Tuguegarao City); Alexie Marie Ibabao (Davao City); Emma Mary F. Tiglao (Mabalacat City); Avonlea Angel Paraiso (Lumban, Laguna); Marita Cassandra K. Naidas (Antipolo City);
Erika Marie P. de Castro (Pola, Oriental Mindoro); Erica Rose Bayani (Laguna); Jessica Rose M. McEwen (Pampanga); Leitz Camyll Ang (Malabon City); Diana Pinto (Bataan); Mariah Nilo (Subic, Zambales); Mia Allyson H. Howell (Catanduanes); Vianca Louise R. Marcelo (Malolos, Bulacan); Janette Roanne L. Sturm (General Santos City); Jeddahliz A. Maltezo (Laoag City, Ilocos Norte); Casey Anne A. Austria (Legaspi, Albay); Grapes T. Pacara (Jose Abad Santos, Davao Occidental); and Hillarie Danielle A. Parungao (Solano, Nueva Vizcaya).
This early, my top picks are: Emma Tiglao, Mia Howell, Vianca Marcelo, Cassandra Naidas, Hillarie Parungao and Jessica McEwen.
Ilocos Sur is the official tourist destination of this year’s pageant, including a highlight tour of Vigan City, one of the 7 Wonder Cities of the World. Gov. Ryan Singson and former Gov. Chavit Singson (who was present at the event) expressed their readiness to host the beauties from October 6-8.
Major preliminary events include the sports challenge dubbed as “Race to Greatness – Guro to Pangulo” at the Quirino Grandstand on October 10 in commemoration of Pres. Elpidio Quirino’s 125th birth anniversary, and the Gala Charity Night’s awaited fashion show at the Fiesta Pavilion of Manila Hotel on October 12.
The winner, who will vie for the 65th Miss World Pageant in Sanya, China in December, will be crowned at the grand finale to be held at The Theater of Solaire on October 18 (to be aired live by GMA Network). Megan Young will host the show while reigning Miss World Rolene Strauss from South Africa will be special guest.
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