On Valentine’s Day, fifty-two candidates—vying for the most coveted title in local pageantry, Miss Universe Philippines—were presented to the press at the Maynila Ballroon of Manila Hotel.
As the Philippine franchise makes the search for that one Queen, it is only fitting that the lovely ladies be publicly introduced via the glamor and much-deserved royal treatment of a Red Carpet affair in the hotel that truly represents Filipino history and tradition, The Manila Hotel.
In keeping with the theme, the ladies donned amazing modern Ternos, some made of indigenous fabrics, to highlight not just Filipino artistry but local culture and creations as well.
Present at the glitzy affair was Miss Universe Philippines National Director Shamcey Supsup and other luminaries hosts Christi McGarry (Ms Intercontinental 2015 1st runner-up) and Andre Brouillette, as well as VIP guests and numerous members of the media.
To become agents of meaningful change, the new Miss Universe Philippines will embody a strong commitment in promoting three key pillars, namely, beautiful transformation, to achieve the best version of herself; beyond the coastlines, to open their eyes on the best the country has to offer with focus on sustainable tourism; and inspiring women with action, to train and support contestants with their chosen advocacies.
One candidate that is a force to be reckoned with is ballerina Maria Ysabella Ysmael, a niece of former Miss Universe Margie Moran and granddaughter of veteran actress Marita Zobel. She’s representing Parañaque City. Other standouts were Davao City’s bet Alaiza Malinao, who has semblance with former Miss Universe Lara Dutta, Quezon City’s bet and volleyball superstar Michele Theresa Gumabao, Bohol’s Pauline Amelinckx, Iloilo City’s Rabiya Mateo, Sorsogon’s Maria Isabela Galeria, Cebu Province’s Apriel Smith, Albay’s Paula Madarieta Ortega, Taguig City’s Sandra Lemonon, and Biliran’s Skelly Ivy Florida.
The rest of the candidates to give these ladies a good run for their money come finals night on May 3, at the Mall of Asia, are: Christelle Abello, Christine Nicole Silvernal, Joecel Marie Robenta, Princess Marquez, Bea Maynigo, Jan Alexis Elcano, Nathalia Urcia, Dianella Louise P. Loya, Vincy Vacalares, Danica Reynes, Krizzia Lyn Moren, Mariam Lara Hamid, Sigrid Grace Flores, Kimberly Hakenson, Tracy Maureen Perez, We’am Ahmed, Mariel Joyce Pascua, Maria Regina Malana, Adelma Benedicta, Kim Chi Crizaldo, Noreen Mangawit, Krizha Ocampo, Jo-Ann Flores, Chiara Lyn Markwalder, Ivanna Pacis, Lou Dominique Piczon, Alexandra Abdon, Maria Lianina Macalino, Caroline Joy Veronilla, Maricres Castro, Angela Aninang, Adee Akiyama, Jennifer Linda, Patricia Mae Santos, Maria Niña Soriano, Zandra Nicole, Riana Pangindian, Michele Gumabao, Faye Deveza, Ericka Evangelista, Maria Fee Tajaran, and Carissa Rozil, Perlyn Y. Cayona.
