33 candidates vie for Miss Asia Pacific International 2024 in Manila

BY ANNALYN S. JUSAY

Oct 2, 2024 07:52 AM

  

---

AT A GLANCE

• During the presentation, the media present unanimously voted to give the "Darling of the Press" award to New Zealand's Katharina Weischede.

---

Darling of the Press Miss New Zealand (center) is flanked by runners-up Miss Philippines and Miss Sweden (Images by Annalyn Jusay)

After a long, five-year hiatus, Miss Asia Pacific International returns to the world stage with no less than Manila, Philippines, as the venue for all its activities, including the Grand Coronation Night, which will be held at the Newport Performing Arts Theater on Sunday, Oct. 7.

On Oct. 1, 33 lovely candidates representing their respective countries were presented to the media at Lanson Place Mall of Asia, where they sashayed in eye-catching swimsuits designed by Sony Boy Mindo and stylish shoes from MariQueen PH.

The Press Presentation marked the first official public appearance of the international beauties who embody the prestigious pageant's advocacy of "Beauty In Diversity" and this year's theme of #CelebrateEveryHue.

"This year, we are honored to showcase an extraordinary group of young women who represent the vibrant diversity of their respective countries. Each contestant comes not only with grace and talent but also with profound commitment to serve their country and to represent their respective cultures. They are here to share their dreams, aspirations, and causes they passionately advocate for," stressed MAPI president and beauty queen Eva Patalinjug-Lim.

"As we embark on this exciting journey, let us remember that Miss Asia Pacific International is more than just a pageant. It is a platform for inspiring positive transformation and fostering understanding among cultures," she added.

During the presentation, the media present unanimously voted to give the "Darling of the Press" award to New Zealand's Katharina Weischede. The Philippines' Blessa Ericha Figueroa was chosen as the first runner-up, while Sweden's Wanja Olsson, another half-Filipina, was chosen as the second runner-up.

The "Darling of the Press," who is half-Filipina, said after her awarding: " I'm not just representing me or my country. I'm representing a dream. And the mission of Miss Asia Pacific International which is one that celebrates beauty and diversity. Because each of us, no matter what we look like, whether we have different views or interests, are all beautiful and that's something that we bring to the table."

MAPI President Atty. Eva Patalinjug-Lim

Official media partners also chose their favorite candidates:

Miss OPMB Worldwide - Miss New Zealand, Katharina Weischede

Miss Missosology - Miss USA, Janelis Leyba

Miss Pageanthology 101 - Miss Peru, Maria Fernanda Colchada Medina

Miss Eventologie - Miss Thailand, Kanyaphatsaphon Rungrueang  

The excitement continues on Oct. 3 with the preliminaries featuring the National Costume, Swimsuit, and Evening Gown competitions. The culmination will be the grand finals, where the new Miss Asia Pacific International 2024 will be crowned, along with four runners-up.

Here is the complete list of candidates:

1. Breanna Mitchell (Australia)
2. Tasin Afrin Diana (Bangladesh)
3.Selena Ali (Belgium)
4.Gabriela de Paiva Padilla (Bolivia)
5. Mya Bao (Canada)
6. Valeria Fernanda Gonzales Loyola (Chile)
7.Luisa Valentina Munoz Ruiz (Colombia)
8. Julie Goye Dogan (France)
9. Jennifer Prokop (Germany)
10. Rosie Minako (Great Britain)
11. Keshia Lee Llarenas (Guam)
12. Mercedes Pair (Hong Kong)
13. Sophiya Singh (India)
14.Dessy Rahelia Siagan (Indonesia)
15. Mohana Tsuda (Japan)
16. Hayoung Cho (Korea)
17. Carol Hor Eau Lye (Malaysia)
18. Karen Sofia Nunez (Mexico)
19. Merel Van Roon (Netherlands)
20. Katharina Weischede (New Zealand)
21. Chizuruoke Sufficient Arua (Nigeria)
22. Maria Fernanda Colchada Medina (Peru
23. Blessa Ericha Figueroa (Philippines)
24. Valeriia Volkova (Russia)
25. Alethea Hui Xuan Yee (Singapore)
26. Wanja Jennifer Grace Olsson (Sweden)
27. Mei-Jou Chen (Taiwan)
28. Kanyaphatsaphon Rungrueang (Thailand)
29. Kayla Tupou (Tonga)
30. Janelis Leyba (USA)
31. Maria Sanchez Paez (Venezuela)
32. Anh Vuong Pham Thi (Vietnam
33. Precious Soko (Zambia)

Shiela Valderrama Martinez: ‘I’m a Disney girl through and through’

Leah C. Salterio - The Philippine Star 

October 2, 2024 | 12:00am

 

Shiela Valderrama Martinez goes solo in the CCP’s ‘Triple Threats’ series, titled ‘Part of My World,’ on Oct. 17. Her concert holds a lot of meaning for her. It was the song she rendered in her very first professional audition. ‘My concert will be a journey of my career, so I’m inviting my audience to see and be a part of my world,’ says she, who is among the pioneer vocalists of Hong Kong Disney shows. ‘I’m a Disney girl through and through. I’ve done a number of Disney Princess roles in the past.’

MANILA, Philippines — Singer-actress Shiela Valderrama Martinez devoted the entire September for the 9 Works Theatrical musical, “Once On This Island.” This month, she will do a tour for “Rama Hari” before her “Triple Threats” concert.

“We closed ‘Once On This Island’ last Sept. 29 at the RCBC Theater and I just have to say that I was thrilled to do this production because the character of Erzulie, whom I played, has always been on my bucket list of roles,” said she.

“Then we leave for the Visayan tour of ‘Rama Hari’ on Oct. 2 for about two weeks. Performances will be in Dumaguete at Silliman University and Bacolod at St. Lasalle University,” added she.

“I’m excited because in this run, I’ll be doing dual roles. I’ll be playing Sita and Kaikeyi. It’s my first time to visit Dumaguete and I’ve always wanted to perform at Silliman University, so I’m looking forward to that. Plus, I’m visiting Bacolod again, my hometown.”

The last quarter of the year is never less busy for Shiela before she ends 2024. 

“I start shooting the Netflix series ‘Buy Bust’ by director Erik Matti,” she offered.

“After my concert, then the other series, ‘Bag Man’ that we just wrapped up filming, will be aired this year, as well. It’s also ‘Ber’ months, so I’m gearing up for the busy event season.”

Shiela was surprised and excited after she was offered to perform for the Cultural Center of the Philippines “Triple Threats” series.

“It’s an honor to be invited and be given this grant by the CCP,” Shiela said. “This was something I hoped someday would do and it happened. Amazing. I’m so grateful to Sir Dennis Marasigan, Sir Ariel Yonzon (of the CCP) and the entire CCP artistic team and board for choosing me and for this wonderful opportunity.” 

“Part of My World,” the title of Shiela’s concert, the second in the CCP’s “Triple Threats” series, holds a lot of meaning for her. It was the song she rendered in her very first professional audition. Shiela will go solo in the “Triple Threats” series on Oct. 17.

“My concert will be a journey of my career, so I’m inviting my audience to see and be a part of my world,” Shiela said. “I’m a Disney girl through and through. I’ve done a number of Disney Princess roles in the past.”

“I was among the pioneer vocalists of Hong Kong Disney shows, and the past two years, I’ve performed at the Disney Orchestra Concerts abroad.”

The last time Shiela did a solo musical concert was at The Ruins in Bacolod, produced by Stages, her talent management outfit. She also did “That Fair Lady” for ONS (One Night Stand), the first show held in their El Pueblo branch.

Shiela’s concert director, Menchu Lauchengco-Yulo, was her personal choice. “She’s the First Lady of Philippine Theater and one of the first ones to do the CCP ‘Triple Threat’ concert series. In Menchu’s words, she has seen me grow up in the business and witnessed my career,” she shared.

“She’s a role model for us, following in the Leading Lady footsteps, so who better to direct it, right? Not to mention she’s a brilliant director. Very hands on and meticulous. She also gathered a fabulous team to work with us on this concert. So, I know I’m in good hands.”

Menchu and Shiela have done quite a few shows together. All the way from “Secret Garden” in 2001, to “Carrie,” “Godspell” and several events and concerts.

“Menchu has vision that I trust, but she’s very collaborative, which is great,” Shiela said. “I have a ‘yes’ girl mentality when working. I try before I say I can’t do it. Mench constantly reminds me to say what I want or say if I’m not comfortable.”

Working as musical director for “Part of My World” is Rony Fortich, who brainstormed with Shiela to finalize her set list for the concert. Luna Inocian, on the other hand, is the show writer.

Shiela’s set list for her “Triple Threats” concert will be a surprise. She will be performing with an 11-piece orchestra. “Orchestral arrangements will be done by JC Celeste,” offered Shiela. “I will be singing with guests who are my best friends in the industry. My incredible leading men — Arman Ferrer, Floyd Tena and David Ezra — my fellow Leading Ladies Carla Guevara-Laforteza and Yanah Laurel.”

A choir led by Shiela’s good friend John Mojica, her husband Lorenz Martinez and daughter Simone Martinez, will also be part of the show.

Shiela announced she will reprise her role as Fosca in Stephen Sondheim’s “Passion,” with its affecting themes of love, betrayal, manipulation and obsession, in September 2025.