Hillarie Parungao for Miss World in China

Hillarie Parungao for Miss World in China; Christianne Ramos for Charity Queen Int’l in Taiwan By JAY PATAO Photos by Joselito Caleon TWO more Pinay beauties are now in China and Taiwan to represent the Philippines at the 65th Miss World Pageant and at the maiden Charity Queen International, respectively, hoping to win honors for the country this month and the next. Miss World Philippines 2015 Hillarie Danielle Ang Parungao, 24, is now in Sanya, China along with 120 other delegates from as many countries and territories worldwide, aiming to become the second Filipina to wear the coveted Miss World crown after Megan Young who won in Bali, Indonesia in 2013. “I am encouraging every Filipino to have another look on what Miss World is all about so we can get everyone to support it and its Beauty with a Purpose advocacy,” Hillarie said during her sendoff press conference at C3 Place in San Juan City last week.

The 5’5” registered nurse and professional model from Solano, Nueva Vizcaya left last Saturday for Sanya, China, armed with confidence, the prayers and support of her family and friends, and her “Katuwang” project. “Katuwang” is a program aimed at alleviating childhood mortality by providing access to quality and affordable healthcare that Hillarie initiated in Nueva Vizcaya. Hillarie also hopes to lobby LGUs to jumpstart the campaign throughout the Philippines.

Hillarie is aware of the many challenges that lie ahead in her quest for the country’s second Miss World title. “It will be very strenuous considering that the pageant will run for a whole month but I am prepared and determined to make our country proud,” Hillarie added. “Let us also leave the territorial dispute on the west Philippine sea between China and the Philippines be tackled and resolved in the proper forum, and let us focus on the Beauty with a Purpose program to raise more money to help disadvantaged children throughout the world.” As we go to press, Hillarie is ranked 7th in the candidates’ arrival leaderboard in a poll conducted by pageant blogsite www.globalbeauties.com behind Brazil, Lebanon, China, France, USA and Colombia.

The grand coronation night of Miss World 2015 happens at the Beauty Crown Theater in Sanya, China on December 19. Meanwhile, Christianne De la Paz Ramos, 25, from Marikina City, is now in Kaoshiung, southern Taiwan to vie for the inaugural Charity Queen International Pageant to be held tomorrow, November 28 at E-DA Royal Theater at E-DA World, a Disneyland-type theme park. A 5’7” Interdisciplinary Studies graduate of Ateneo de Manila University, Christianne was handpicked by national director John de la Vega to vie for the coveted title (and $20,000 cash prize) along with more than 60 other beauties worldwide.