Miss International Queen Philippines finals on April 14

BY ANNALYN S. JUSAY

• This year's winner will win a whopping P500,000 from sponsors and compete in the Miss International Queen pageant, which will be held in August in Pattaya, Thailand.

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MIQPH National Director Michelle Montecarlo with candidates based in Europe (Images by Noli Berioso/OPMB Worldwide) 

 Miss International Queen Philippines (MIQPH) is the country's most prestigious pageant for transgender women. This year, members of the LGBTQ community, their supporters, and fans will have a chance to see the head-turning candidates slay as MIQPH 2024 holds its grand coronation night at the Aliw Theater on Sunday, April 14.

The pageant's exciting Preliminary Competition will be held tonight, April 12, at the Cuneta Astrodome. Presented by Pasay City LGU, the audience will have the chance to see their favorite bets slug it out in the Swimwear, Long Gown, Modern Filipiniana, and Advocacy Speech portions. Those who make the cut will be able to clinch a spot in the Top 10 semi-final round.

The MIQPH candidates at Aquila Crystal Palace Tagaytay

Before this, last April 7,  their regional directors sashed the 33 lovely contestants of MIQPH 2024 coming from all over the country. They also introduced themselves in a formal Press Presentation hosted by no less than Miss Universe Philippines 2019 Gazini Ganados at the stately Aquila Crystal Palace Tagaytay Events Place. Also present was MIQPH 2023 queen Lars Pacheco, who placed in the Top 6 in the international pageant list last year.

Michelle Montecarlo, MIQPH National Director, stated: "This year, we made history by being able to expand our brand and give opportunities not only to Queens who live here in Luzon but also to those Queens who live in Visayas and Mindanao. I'm proud to say that we also have contestants now based in Europe."

The forces behind MIQPH 2024 (from left): Mikee Andrei, Lars Pacheco, Tei Endencia (Executive Producer). Kristine Ibardolaza, Wayne Renzo, and Creative Director Roderic De la Cruz

This year's winner will win a whopping P500,000 from sponsors and compete in the Miss International Queen pageant, which will be held in August in Pattaya, Thailand. The Philippines has had a good winning streak, with three crowned winners in MIQ history. They are Kevin Balot (2012), Trixie Maristela (2015), and Fuschia Anne Ravena (2022).

MIQPH 2024 press presentation host Gazini Ganados Miss Universe Philippines 2019

The MIQPH 2024 candidates are the following:

Jem Tierro - Morong, Bataan 

Mikay Bautista - San Jose Del Monte, Bulacan

Mhielle Marie Garcia - Angeles City

Red Spiegelman - Pampanga

Sher Cadoy - Nueva Vizcaya

Claui Doromal Rolo-os - Victorias City, Negros Occidental

Mahdison De La Vega - Cebu City

Maria Napoles - Cebu Province

Bella Fox - Aklan

Roxam Delo Santos - Northern Samar

Exur Ranoa - Davao Oriental

Jeysyn Ramos - Davao Del Sur

Nina Marie Similatan - Manay, Davao Oriental

Sheila Magpale - Koronadal City

Trisha Pestano - Iligan City

Sophia Nicole Arkanghel - Laguna

Arell Guache - Batangas

Althea Bulilan - Quezon Province

Pau Telan - Cainta, Rizal

Phia Garcia - Laguna

Asia Mariano - Quezon City

Casey Paculan - Quezon City

Julian Concepcion - Manila City

Vivi Hendendahl - Pasig City

Yuki Roque - Malabon City

Yuumi Garcia - Italy

Shai Yanga - United Kingdom

Lea Pascua - Spain

Tickets to the grand finals are now available at smtickets.com.

San Felipe, Zambales takes pride in its teen queen

BY ANNALYN S. JUSAY

  

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AT A GLANCE

• The lovely women of San Felipe with their sun-kissed complexion are also starting to maketheir mark in pageantry. 

Miss Teen Tourism Philippines 2024 Carolleen Marghereth 'Carol' Abundo

This summer, a lot of people will surely flock to San Felipe, Zambales for its pristine natural beauty. Only a three-hour drive from Manila, it's a must-see for its expansive coastline, beautiful mountain views and beaches.

The lovely women of San Felipe with their sun-kissed complexion are also starting to make their mark in pageantry. The latest star to shine is Carol Abundo who was barely 14 when she was adjudged Miss Teen Tourism Philippines and will represent the country in the coming Miss Teen Tourism international competition in June. This early, she is being molded to showcase her best skills by her handler, Bienvinido Gamboa Jr. and  the JosephC Casting Agency of talent manager/national director Josephus Canabuan, the same man behind the success of several pageant winners.

Teen queen Carol Abundo with talent manager/National Director Josephud Canabuan of JosephC Casting Agency

Carol revealed that she wants to be a doctor one day but modelling is something that she has dreamed of since she was three years old. "Little did I know that doors would open for me in modelling. I have been fortunate to join several photo shoots and a runway show. I love how fashion and make-up can transform my innocent face into a variety of characters. I am still gathering enough confidence to walk the ramp as a career but I know I can work it out. The perseverance and determination is something that I got from my mom, Margie, who's an Overseas Filipino Worker."

As San Felipe's beauty ambassador,  the young queen recently made a courtesy call to San Felipe Mayor Reinhard Jeresano and barangay Sto. Nino officials led by captain Elbert Abille. 

The mayor noted that Carol's feat will surely be an inspiration to her peers. "Aside from this, we're proud of anyone from our town who will compete nationally or anywhere. One of the things we're promoting right now is our tourism industry. During the rainy season, we have the Keri Khariton Festival where they decorate the karitons and pull the carabaos to go inside the Anghalo Falls. We likewise have the Aldaw Ti Minatay during All Saint's Day and Christmas villages in December."

Teen queen Carol Abundo with San Felipe, Zambales officials led by Mayor Reinhard Jeresano

"When San Felipe is mentioned in a pageant, it's also a promotion for us, especially if we are represented by someone as young and beautiful as Carol," the mayor added.

Carol also paid a visit to San Rafael Technical Vocational High School where she is currently enrolled as a junior high school student. The school's principal, Mr. Ernesto Fogata, commented that Carol's crowning as Miss Teen Tourism Philippines 2024 is a "tremendous honor. It highlights our commitment to nurture young talents and empower them to reach for their dreams." 

Miss Teen Tourism Philippines 2024 Carol Abundo  with San Rafael Technical Vocational High School Principal, Mr. Ernesto Fogata

The principal pointed out that while it's not easy for Carol to juggle her studies and the demands of outside activities, "she remained focused on her goals and her perseverance helped her to overcome obstacles along the way."

"Carol's achievement has inspired and motivated everyone in the school, and we support her all the way. Her success at a young age serves as a reminder that with hard work and dedication, anything is possible. She has instilled a sense of pride and aspiration within our school community," Fogata stressed.

Contestants of Limgas Na Pangasinan 2024 presented to media

BY ANNALYN S. JUSAY

Mar 20, 2024 11:26 PM

  

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AT A GLANCE

• Thepageant aims to showcase the most talented, beautiful and intelligent ladies the province has to offer.

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Limgas Na Pangasinan 2024 candidates with Limgas Na Pangasinan 2023 queens

Twenty young hopefuls vying for the beauty titles at stake in Limgas Na Pangasinan 2024 were presented to the media last Sunday (March 17) at the stately Monarch Hotel in the town of Calasiao. The pageant aims to showcase the most talented, beautiful and intelligent ladies the province has to offer. Three of them will be crowned queens on April 26 as a highlight of the annual Pista'ý Dayat or Sea Festival celebrations.

The ladies exhibited poise, confidence and charm as they paraded on stage in pristine white cocktail dresses. They were also sashed by their respective local executives. In the question and answer portion with members of the media, they shared the causes they stand for and articulated their insights on issues affecting their respective hometowns and beyond.

Three of them will embark on an exciting journey if they are chosen for the top titles, namely Limgas Na Pangasinan World, Limgas na Pangasinan Mutya and Limgas na Pangasinan Grand. The three title holders will represent the province in national pageants which are Miss World, Mutya ng Pilipinas, and Miss Grand International. 

Limgas Na Pangasinan 2023 queens who will compete in national pageants this year (from left):  LNP Grand Rona Lalaine Lopez, LNP World Nikhisah Buenafe Cheveh, and LNP Mutys Stacey de Ocampo

Aside from being crowned, the winners will also be entitled to hefty cash prizes and get the chance to work with three well-known designers. Their local governments will also receive financial grants to support their chosen projects.

"We aim that this pageant will have purpose, will have a heart, and will teach the ladies to have their own purpose through their advocacies. And of course, a heart to serve the province of Pangasinan. We hope that our pageant will show the Philippines, show everyone what Pangasinan is all about," noted the pageant's chairperson and Pangasinan First Lady Maan Tuazon-Guico.

She pointed out that she is closely working with her husband, Gov. Ramon Guico,  on a number of  projects that will "uplift the culture, arts, and tourism of the province. With Limgas na Pangasinan, we have enlisted the help of Aces and Queens, a beauty camp that provides training and coaching to pageant candidates."

Pangasinan's top people are all behind the success of the pageant (from left): Vice Governor Mark Ronald Lambino, his spouse Melanie Lambino, First Lady Maan Tuazon-Guico, and provincial board member Apolonia Bacay

"The Limgas Na Pangasinan pageant is not just about presenting beauty but also presenting that beauty with a purpose; showing that beauty with a motivation to do what is needed to improve the betterment of our fellow Pangasinenses," Pangasinan Vice Gov. Mark Ronald Lambino added.

 Also present at the media presentation were the vice governor's wife, Atty Melanie Sia-Lambino, provincial board members Apolonia Bacay and Jerry Rosario. Other top local executives also attended to give their moral support to their candidates, among them Calasiao Mayor Kevin Roy Macanlalay, Urbiztondo Mayor Modesto Operana, and Malasiqui Mayor Noel Geslani

Following are the 20 candidates of this year's search representing the different towns of Pangasinan:

Camille Angela Suratos (Mangaldan), Rhein Nacynete M. Valdez (San Carlos City), Kathleen Jane M. Andaya (Villasis), Jenesse Viktoria D. Mejia (Malasiqui), Lyha Yzihienne M. Laylo (Pozorrubio), Rebecca Rose P. Ayudan (Urbiztondo), Alyssa Jeneveve Padillon (Urdaneta City), Reeven L. Sabado (Umingan), Yra May M. Secretario (San Manuel), Ruth Mae S. Artates (Sual), Jay Ann Zarate (Manaoag), Andrea R. Cayabyab (San Fabian), Pearline Joy M. Bayog (Lingayen), Izzy Nina V. Bernardino (Sta. Barbara), Tonette Alexandrea G. Mendoza (Mangatarem), Paulie Alexa F. Camat (Binalonan), Irish Ann D. Caido (Asingan), Danica N. Maglalang (Mapandan), Jary L. Padica (Balungao), and Diana Mae B. Pangan (Calasiao).

Junior Idol World Philippines 2024 crowns new winners

BY ANNALYN S. JUSAY

Mar 10, 2024 07:09 AM  AT A GLANCE

• Ultimately, the following winners were chosen by the esteemed panel of judges,headed by pageant camp founder Rodgil Flores.

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Winners  in the different categories of Junior Idol World Philippines 2024

Junior Idol World Philippines, a premier pageant for kids and teens, crowned its 2024 winners, who will represent the country in Thailand next year. The finals, recently held at the Antipolo Sports Educational Hub, saw the contestants show off their talents, wit, and runway skills. They likewise walked the stage in awe-inspiring national costumes and elegant evening gowns. 

The contestants, hailing from various corners of the country and even abroad ,  showcased a diverse array of beauty and poise. They were meticulously selected by the pageant organizer La Reina's Filipinas Organization, led by its founder and beauty queen-CEO Cristhel Fraulein Gardoce Bulabon. Ultimately, the following winners were chosen by the esteemed panel of judges, headed by pageant camp founder Rodgil Flores.

For the Mini Miss category, Elizabeth Lipkin of Calamba City emerged as the grand winner. She is accompanied by Athena Maine Santos of Cardona, Rizal, who was crowned Mini Miss Universe 2024, and Zaviera Cayenne Laugo of Cavite Province, who earned the title of Mini Miss Gorgeous Universe 2024. 

For Little Miss, Nicolah Jayne Lavadia of Cebu took the top spot. The other titleholders are Zharren Kate Colina (Little Miss Universe 2024), Jahmeica Athena Canonigo (Little Miss Gorgeous Universe 2024), Shui Tsuda (Little Miss Heritage Gem 2024), Kelsey Niña Lopez (1st runner-up) and Princess Cheyenne McMonagle (2nd runner-up). King Tristan Daño of Quezon City was crowned Little Mister.

From left: Chairman of the board of Judges Rodgil Flores, Miss Teen Grand Winner Shaiya Oisha Diwa, Cristhel Fraulein Gardoce Bulabon, and Mr. International 2014 Neil Perez

In the Miss Pre-Teen category, Nikoea Marie Whittaker of Cebu Province was the grand winner. The other winners were Kathryn Agnes Laguyo (Miss Pre-Teen Universe 2024) and Aranah Tuco (Miss Pre-Teen Gorgeous Universe 2024). For Mister Teen, Jairus Fred Balucas took the top title, along with Alfonso Briene Laude (Mister Teen Universe 2024) and Juan Carlos Dominguez (Mister Teen Gorgeous Universe 2024).

Finally, in the Miss Teen category, Shaiya Oisha Diwa of Talisay City, Cebu, was crowned the grand winner. The runners-up were Samantha Nicole Camero (Miss Teen Universe 2024), Pauline Jane Enalpe (Miss Teen Gorgeous Universe 2024), and Abba Nicole Comboy (Miss Teen Heritage Gem 2024).

Also introduced at the event was Krizzia Chelsea Rodriguez who will represent the Philippines in Miss Teen Icon International which will be held from March 12 to 18  in Cambodia. Meanwhile, other La Reina's winners are also preparing now for the Little Miss and Mister Universe which will be held in Manila from May 22 to 26.

Two beauty queens take over the helm of Miss Asia Pacific International pageant

BY ANNALYN S. JUSAY

Feb 25, 2024 07:37 AM

  

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AT A GLANCE

• Miss Philippines Asia Pacific International 2024 Blessa Ericha Figueroawill represent the country in this year's Miss Asia Pacific International, in a venue still to be announced. 

From left: outgoing MAPI President Jacqueline Sainz, President Eva Patalinjug, MAPI GM Kristine Caballero Aplal, and outgoing GM Essa Gogna

Miss Asia Pacific International (MAPI) returns with a vengeance after a five-year hiatus with no less than two beauty queens comprising its top management.

It was announced that effective immediately, beauteous lawyer Eva Psychee Patalinjug, who was Bb. Pilipinas Grand International 2018, will assume MAPI's presidency while Mutya ng Pilipinas  2002 first runner-up Kristine Caballero Aplal will be the General Manager of the prestigious organization.

Eva and Kristine are taking over the duties of outgoing president Jacqueline Tan Sainz and former General Manager Essa Santos-Gogna who both expressed confidence that they are leaving MAPI in the hands of two able leaders with ample experience in the field of beauty. 

Also announced in a media conference at Sheraton Hotel Manila were the appointments of International Affairs Director Onin Mas and Sales/Marketing Director Eldrin Veloso.

Eva, who is engaged in private practice in her hometown of Cebu, observed how she has come "full circle."

Blessa Figueroa will be the Philippines' representative to Miss Asia Pacific International 2024

"I believe that If an opportunity is open and is given to you, you say yes. Even if you don't know how to do it, then learn it afterwards. Because once in a life, an opportunity like this will never come back," she noted. 

"I am more resolved in making sure that we appreciate the power of this platform, the dreams it can realize, and the voices it can amplify," Eva added. "As a platform that champions diversity, we should adopt, if not lead, in making the pageantry circle a bit bigger and more inclusive." 

At this point, she announced two very important changes that will be implemented in the 2024 pageant. "Miss Asia Pacific International will now be open to married women and mothers as we recognize the platform has to be more open to diverse voices. We are also increasing our age limit up to 30 years old."

Christine pointed out that "Beauty In Diversity" was an advocacy that Miss Asia-Pacific International started a few years back. 

"We're so happy and excited to see more pageants actually going the same route. We're seeing such a good, positive movement about beauty, beauty standardsalso improving and widening," she remarked.

From left: MAPI President Eva Patalinjug, Miss Philippines Asia Pacific International 2024 Blessa Figueroa and new MAPI GM Kristine Caballero Aplal

The next Miss Asia Pacific International pageant will be held sometime in September or October. Contestants from 54 countries joined the last competition in 2019 which was won by Chaiyenne Huisman of Spain. Officers revealed that new countries will be added to the roster this year.

"Some countries have never joined Miss Asia Pacific International. But they will be joining us for the first time in this year's edition. So that's something that everyone can look forward to," Eva excitedly said.

Miss Asia-Pacific International first came into the picture as the "Miss Asia" contest in 1965 with 18 countries participating. MAPI suspended the holding of the pageant after 2005. It was revived only after 11 years, or in 2016 with its crowned queen Tessa le Conge from the Netherlands.

The Philippines has won in the prestigious pageant for a record five times. The  title holders are Maria Inez Zaragoza (1982), Gloria Dimayacyac (1983), Lorna Legaspi (1989), Michelle Aldana (1990) and Sharifa Akeel (2018).

Miss Philippines Asia Pacific International 2024 Blessa Ericha Figueroa will represent the country in this year's Miss Asia Pacific International, in a venue still to be announced.

Miss Universe Philippines 2024 presents 55 candidates

BY ANNALYN S. JUSAY

Feb 19, 2024 07:39 AM

  

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AT A GLANCE

• The winner of MUPh 2024 will succeed incumbent queen Michelle Marquez-Dee and represent the country in the 73rd edition of Miss Universe in Mexico City.

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The 55 official candidates of Miss Universe Philippines 2024

A record 55 beautiful ladies from different parts of the country were presented as official delegates of Miss Universe Philippines 2024 at the Grand Ballroom of Hilton Manila on Sunday, Feb 18. The number represents a 30 percent increase from last year's contestants, who totaled 38.

Previous winners of international pageants walked alongside hopeful, new faces in what pageant watchers described this early as "bardagulan" or "bloodbath" because of the expected tight race for the crown.

Dia Mate, the current girlfriend of rocker Juan Karlos Labajo, is competing in MUPH 2024 as Miss Cavite

The winner of MUPh 2024 will succeed incumbent queen Michelle Marquez-Dee and represent the country in the 73rd edition of Miss Universe in Mexico City.

This year's MUPH has a couple of firsts in its history. One is the scrapping of the age limit to reflect the decision of the parent Miss Universe Organization. 

National athlete Alexie Mae Brooks is Miss Iloilo

This allowed those 29 years old and above to compete. Second is selecting the candidates through the Accredited Partners Program of the respective localities instead of the previous application and screening process. National Director Shamcey Supsup-Lee remarked that the new system hopes to "even the playing field and provide women in the provinces with an equal opportunity."

The youngest candidates in MUPH 2024 are 18 years old, while the oldest is 39. Ten delegates represent several Filipino communities in the United States, United Kingdom, and Australia. 

Justine Tarah Marie Valencia is a cum laude graduate from the University of Baguio

Five of the beauties have placed in pageants abroad, namely Miss International 2018 first runner-up Ahtisa Manalo, Miss Supermodel Worldwide 2022 Alexandra Mae Rosales, Miss Tourism International 2019 Cyrille Payumo, Miss Intercontinental 2014 second runner-up Kris Tiffany Janson and Miss Intercontinental 2015 first runner-up Christi McGarry. 

Ahtisa Manalo (Portrait images of candidates by Noli Berioso of OPMB Worldwide)

The complete list of MUPH delegates is as follows:

1. Elaine Bernales (Albay)

2. Joanna Marie Thornley (Angeles)

3. Kymberlee Street (Australia)

4. Yvonne Catamco (Bacolod)

5. Victoria Velasquez Vincent (Bacoor)

6. Justine Tarah Valencia (Baguio)

7. Juvel Ducay (Bantayan Island)

8. Mariztella Ilagan Lat  (Batangas)

9. Bianca Gaviola (Bohol)

10. Natasha Jane Bajuyo (Bukidnon)

11. Chelsea Manalo (Bulacan)

12. Daniella Villar (Cabanatuan)

13. Lynn Eirene Lomongo (Cagayan De Oro)

14. Stacey Gabriel (Cainta)

15. Rethiana Rosa (Camiguin)

16. Dia Mate (Cavite)

17. Kris Tiffany Janson (Cebu)

18. Maria Isabel Pelayo (Davao City)

19. Joanna Puyod Yulo (Davao Region)

20. Matea Mahal Smith (Florida)

21. Patricia Bianca Tapia (Hawaii

22. Alexie Brooks (Iloilo)

23. Natasha Jung (Kananga)

24. Alexandra Mae Rosales (Laguna)

25. Angel Rose Tambal (Leyte)

26. Rikki Mae dela Peña (Lucban)

27. Victoria Leslie Ingram (Mandaue)

28. Ysabel Macuja (Manila)

29. Elle Hollman (Mariveles)

30. Mary Yasol (Miami)

31. Mary Rose Guiral (Naic)

32. Kayla Jean Carter (Northern California)

33. Maica Cabling Martinez (Nueva Ecija)

34. Zoleil Mellane Taño (Occidental Mindoro)

35. Hershey Mhae Senit (Pagadian City)

36. Raven Doctor (Palawan)

37. Cyrille Payumo (Pampanga)

38. Grace Jineah Chua Lumague (Pangasinan)

39. Selena Alexis Antonio Reyes (Pasig)

40. Lorraine Ojimba (Quezon City)

41. Ma. Ahtisa Manalo (Quezon Province)

42. Stephanie Faye Gerona (Quirino)

43. Eunice D. Deza (San Pablo, Laguna)

44. Joshell de Ocampo (Siargao)

45. Janet Lyn Hammond (Southern California)

46. Jenina Lui (Sydney)

47. Tamara Ocier (Tacloban)

48. Christi Lynn McGarry (Taguig)

49. Mary Josephine Paaske (Talisay City)

50. Kim Irish Placibe (Toledo City)

51. Zhyra Mae Cabalza (Tuguegarao)

52. Christina dela Cruz Chalk (United Kingdom)

53. Denise Nicole Mababangloob Yujuico (Virginia)

54. Kiara Landon (Washington)

55. Anita Rose Gomez (Zambales)

Alexandra Mae Rosales

The event at Hilton Manila also saw the crowning and appointment of The Miss Philippines beauties to their respective international competitions, namely: Alethea Ambrosio (Miss Supranational Philippines 2024),  Blessa Figueroa (Miss Asia Pacific International Philippines 2024), Isabelle De Los Santos (Miss Aura International Philippines 2024), Chantal Elise Schmidt (Miss Eco International Philippines 2024) and Hanna Uyan (Miss Eco Teen Philippines 2024).