Gloria Diaz: 'Miss Universe is a matter of destiny'

BY ANNALYN S. JUSAY

  

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AT A GLANCE

• "In the end, everybody really deserves to win. I always feel it's fate. F-A-T.E," she said, spelling out the letters.

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Former Miss Universe Gloria Diaz (center) and daughters Isabelle (right) and Ava (Images courtesy of Facebook)

Michelle Dee delivered an "amazing" performance at the just-concluded Miss Universe pageant, but winning the title "is fate. It's a matter of destiny." Former beauty queen-turned-actress Gloria Diaz expressed this - the first beauty from the Philippines to be crowned Miss Universe in 1969.

"In the end, everybody really deserves to win. I always feel it's fate. F-A-T.E," she said, spelling out the letters. "Hindi naman ako ang pinakamaganda during my time, di ba?  Ang daming magaganda, ang daming matatangkad at mas malaking boobs. But at the end of the day, it's really swertihan."

(I was not the most beautiful during my time, right? There were so many more beautiful women; they were taller than me and had bigger boobs. But at the end of the day, it's really about luck). Gloria clarified what she said before the finals of the recent Miss Universe that Michelle had a strong chance of winning. "This is to quote-unquote myself. Why does Michelle have a good chance of winning? It's like you and I and everyone. If we bought a ticket in the lotto, we had a good chance of winning...1 in 10 million, 1 in 2 million, but we bought a ticket. And since Michelle was in that contest, she had a good chance of winning."

Miss Universe 1969 Gloria Diaz and her court

"Tayong mga Pilipino, medyo sanay na tayo laging nananalo, na all of a sudden, we all feel naku dinaya, Lutong Macau. You can move mountains, declare this and declare that. Pero at the end of the day, it's destiny," Gloria stressed.

(Filipinos are so used to winning that when we lose, we feel we were cheated of victory. We can declare all we want, but at the end of the day, it's destiny.)

Gloria was interviewed in Okada Manila after the historic signing between Mentorque Productions and Warner Bros. for the theatrical distribution of the Metro Manila Film Festival entry "Mallari." She's a member of the cast as Doña Facunda. 

Gloria, who remains beautiful in her 70s, gave Michelle the advice that she could always join the pageant again (note: under Miss Universe rules, contestants cannot join the competition a second time).

Michelle Dee 

"Next year, pwede naman siya sumali uli, hindi ba? She's beautiful in and out. She looked confident. She had a beautiful gown. She had good answers and stuff. Pero iba naman ang type ng judges for this year," she remarked.

The irrepressible former Miss Universe stated, "On a scale of 1 to 10, Melanie Marquez is a 10, and Michelle is an 8." She was a judge when Melanie was proclaimed Bb. Pilipinas International 1979. Gloria recalled that she "pushed"  for Melanie to win, even though the latter was criticized for not speaking good English.

"I pushed for her (to win) because this is not an IQ contest or a search for the best in English. For me, all contestants should be able to speak in their language. Ang daming interpreter dyan," Gloria pointed out.

The veteran actress has two lovely daughters in the celebrity spotlight - Isabelle and Ava. But they never pursued pageantry like their legendary mom. Gloria believes that this is all for the best. "I was relieved when they decided not to join any pageant. I will be the most stressed pag natalo," she said.

12 things about award-winning Gen Z actress Heaven Peralejo

BY ANNALYN S. JUSAY

Oct 8, 2023 07:26 AM

  

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AT A GLANCE

• "Dahil sa 'Nanahimik Ang Gabi,' nagbago ang takbo ng buhay ko. Noong time na yun, I was losing confidencein myself, I wanted to stop na. Akala ko hindi na ako gustong makita ng mga tao. Grateful ako kay Direk Lauren (Dyogi) because he encouraged me to take on the project, Binigay ko na lang ang lahat ng kaya kong ibigay. I didn't know it would all lead to this beautiful moment," Heaven said in an interview at the office of her management outfit, Viva Artists Agency.

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Heaven Peralejo (Images courtesy of Facebook)

Only 23, Gen Z actress Heaven Peralejo is on top of the world, juggling several film projects and earning accolades for acting. But it wasn't always this way. She remembers that dark moment last year when she was promoting "Nanahimik Ang Gabi," the movie that would eventually lead her to the cusp of recognition and stardom.

"Dahil sa 'Nanahimik Ang Gabi,' nagbago ang takbo ng buhay ko. Noong time na yun, I was losing confidence in myself, I wanted to stop na. Akala ko hindi na ako gustong makita ng mga tao. Grateful ako kay Direk Lauren (Dyogi) because he encouraged me to take on the project, Binigay ko na lang ang lahat ng kaya kong ibigay. I didn't know it would all lead to this beautiful moment," Heaven said in an interview at the office of her  management outfit, Viva Artists Agency.

Heaven's hands are full at present. She is part of the upcoming Philippine adaptation of the hit South Korean movie Sunny. She will also return for the second season of The University Series, the follow-up to The Rain in Espana - Safe Skies, Archer. In December, she will go to Singapore to compete with other best actresses in the region for the Asian Academy Creative Awards. Speaking articulately about her plans, Heaven remains level-headed and is careful not to let the success get into her head. But definitely, what stands out now is her new-found confidence to conquer the world. 

"I see myself as a chameleon who blends in, who doesn't want to be placed in a box. I don't want to be limited, I want to be limitless. Sabi nga nila, the sky's the limit. If the sky's the limit, then I'm Heaven," she remarks happily.

Here are 10 things worth knowing about the former PBB housemate and award-winning  actress who is set to become one of the big stars of her generation: 

1. She has seven small tattoos, mostly on her arms, with different meanings. The designs include a heart, a moon, a lotus, and a Morse code. The first tattoo she got was a couple of birds representing her and her mom, Luanne, whom she is very close to. 

2. Heaven finished her business management college degree from Southville International School two years ago. Still, only this coming November will she receive her diploma in a proper graduation ceremony.

3. She is thrilled to be pitted with top Korean actress Song Hye-kyo in the forthcoming Asian Academy Creative Awards. "To be nominated alongside her, sobrang laking step na yun kasi pinapanood ko lang sya sa The Glory. Isa ako sa mga fans nya," Heaven says with excitement.

4. She revealed that a spy is one role she would like to portray. This is something she has been dreaming of since she was a kid. Heaven said that she practices Muay Thai and regularly goes to the gym to prepare for the role, even if there is no formal project yet. It's her way of manifesting things to happen.

5. She speaks fondly of her ka-loveteam Marco Gallo, her former housemate in Pinoy Big Brother: Lucky 7. They (MarVen) are going to work together on another project soon! " We have this understanding na kahit hindi kami magkasama sa work, we're there to support and respect each other; we're going to help each other. I'm grateful that I found this person in showbiz who  cares for me." 

6. She describes her heart right now as "happy and content. I'm no longer trying to control where my life leads me, it's more of surrendering into the moment and just enjoying what God gives me." She assures her fans, "if I found the right person to love, I'll shout it to the whole world. Maririnig nyo yan." 

7. Heaven is kept grounded by her two pets, a Yorkie (dog) and a British shorthair (cat).  "Every day, they remind me to clean up after their mess! They bring out my feminine, motherly  side."

8 . The actress enjoys simple pleasures like pottery-making, arranging flowers, and walking her dog in the park. She says it's important "not to lose myself in all this extravagance, always to be humble, always to be a good friend, a good person, a good daughter, a good actor."

9 . Her one mantra in life is to keep calm and chill. " Kalma lang sa lahat ng bagay. Doon mo makikita kung ano ang ibibigay sa iyo ng universe." 

10. Even though Heaven has approximately 15 million combined followers on her social media, she prefers to keep some things under wraps. For example, she's now learning how to dance, but she's not posting about it. "I like to give surprises."

11. At the age of 16, Heaven knew she wanted to be an actress. "First, I wanted to help my mom. And when I started doing workshops, I knew this was the job I wanted to pursue. I want to move people with my emotions and make them feel less lonely."

12. Heaven would instead pursue authenticity rather than perfection. "What you see is what you get. I don't want to have this persona of being a perfect woman. I'm imperfect, but I try to be authentic because it's harder to rise from your mistakes to become a better person. Siguro nakikita ng mga kabataan ngayon na it's okay to make mistakes as long as you learn from it."

Mrs. Universe beauties to pay courtesy call to PBBM

BY ANNALYN S. JUSAY

Oct 1, 2023 07:04 AM

  

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AT A GLANCE

• A highlight of the international pageant is the candidates' courtesy call to President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. in MalacanangPalace on Monday, Oct. 2. On this same day; the ladies will also be welcomed by officials of the tourism department and the Intramuros Administration. In the evening, a party will be dubbed "Salsa Night" in Revel BGC so the contestants can enjoy the famed Manila nightlife.

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Ma. Charo Calalo, National Director of Mrs. Universe Philippines

More than 100 beautiful women from all over the world are arriving in the Philippines this week to participate in the 46th staging of Mrs. Universe, which will be held from Oct. 1 to 9 and culminating in a Grand Coronation Night on Oct. 8 at the Newport Performing Arts Theater in Pasay City.

A highlight of the international pageant is the candidates' courtesy call to President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. in Malacanang Palace on Monday, Oct. 2. On this same day; the ladies will also be welcomed by officials of the tourism department and the Intramuros Administration. In the evening, a party will be dubbed "Salsa Night" in Revel BGC so the contestants can enjoy the famed Manila nightlife.

Mrs. Universe is a worldwide pageant established in 2007 and is based in Bulgaria. Each year, it seeks to award "the most honorable woman" who must be involved in a significant cause. To join, candidates must be between 18 to 55 years old.

The Mrs. Universe title has eluded the Philippines since its participation. Still, National Director Maria Charo Calalo expressed hopes that this year's country representatives will make their mark in the highly competitive tilt. Before being granted the pageant's franchise, Charo was Mrs. Universe Philippines 2019-2020  and a Top 18 finalist when she competed internationally in 2019.

 

Charo Calalo (middle) with her Mrs. Universe PH candidates. They are (from left): Betchay De Dios, Monaliza Salenga, Mrs. Universe PH 2023 Arlene Cris Damot, Ma. Steia Sian, Miraflor Rodis, and Shirley Garcia.

Charo likened her candidates to a flower. "Their beauty is unique and incomparable. Meron silang kani-kanilang ganda."

"Ever since I became the national director of Mrs. Universe Philippines, it has been my dream to hold the international pageant here in the Philippines, and now it has come true. I feel pressured but, at the same time, happy. Excited na kaming lahat at malapit na. Maganda at pinaghandaan talaga namin ang event, that's all I can say,"  the beauteous Charo, who is also an actress, stated.

Mrs. Universe  Philippines 2023 is Arlene Cris Damot, and the rest of the members of her court are also competing. They are Shirley Garcia (Mrs. Universe PH North West Asia 2023), Ma. Steia Sian (Mrs. Universe PH North Pacific Asia 2023), Monaliza Hernandez Salenga (Mrs. Universe PH North East Asia 2023), Mira Flor Rodis ( Mrs. Universe PH Pacific Continental 2023), and Betchay  De Dios (Mrs. Universe PH West Pacific 2023).

All six Filipina candidates had their sendoff ceremony at Cerveseria restaurant in BGC last week, where they shared their preparations and expressed their readiness to advocate for the theme of this year's pageant, which is speaking against domestic violence. They also expressed excitement with the pageant's exchange gift activity, where they are expected to prepare souvenirs for each of the 100 contestants. 

Aside from the courtesy call to government officials, Anshari Alonto - managing director of 2xsist Events Productions, which is mounting the Miss Universe PH pageant - revealed the remaining schedule of the one-week stay of the international beauties in the Philippines. These are Sashing Ceremony at Lime Hotel Manila on Oct. 1, Forum and Friendship Night on Oct. 3, Queen's Ball at the Manila Hotel in October, a tour of Manila tourist spots like Rizal Park on Oct. 5, rehearsals on Oct. 6, and a Pre-Pageant night on Oct. 7 where the women will compete for the National Costume and Evening Gown competitions. The Grand Coronation Night ceremonies start at 6 p.m. on Oct. 8 with Joaquin Domagoso and other artists as performers. 

Tickets are available at Newport World Resorts Box Office, TicketWorld at 891-9999, or (+63) 905 662 3378/(+63) 926 707 1571.

Nationwide viewing party on July 1 for TVJ's show on TV5

BY ANNALYN S. JUSAY

Jun 27, 2023 07:22 AM

  

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AT A GLANCE

• Some fans expressed disappointment about the absence of a live audience. Others are simply excited about TVJ's transfer to TV5 and they're saying they cannot wait.

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Tito Sotto, Vic Sotto, and Joey de Leon plus the Legit Dabarkads (Facebook)

A "Nationwide Viewing Party" has been announced on July 1  for the launch of the still-unnamed show of Tito Sotto, Vic Sotto, and Joey de Leon plus the Legit Dabarkads on TV5. The Saturday program will be held from 11:30 am to 2:30 pm while it will be from 12 noon to 2:30 pm, from Monday to Friday.

An official teaser from TV5 on Monday, June 26, marked July 1 as the "Pambansang Araw ng Isang Libo't Isang Tuwa."

In an earlier pronouncement made on Facebook, Joey said there will be no live audience as they are still adjusting to their new environment. Some opined that it might be due to safety concerns as they might be faced with a deluge of people expected to go to TV5 studios in Mandaluyong City.

Some fans expressed disappointment about the absence of a live audience. Others are simply excited about TVJ's transfer to TV5 and they're saying they cannot wait.

"Canceled ang mga gawaing bahay sa July 1, tutok muna sa TVJ at sa Legit Dabarkads," one woman said.

Another commented "Yes na yes. All housework will be finished by 11 am so that we are in front of the TV by then." 

Victory party for Miss Environment International 2023 Shannon Robinson

BY ANNALYN S. JUSAY

Jun 25, 2023 11:37 AM

  

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AT A GLANCE

• Shannon is the first Filipina to win the top title in Miss Environment International which is just on its second staging. She also won Miss Active (Miss Congeniality) and Miss High Fashion Model - 2nd place in the competition. She succeeds Kayra Wouters of Belgium.

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Miss Environment International 2023 Shannon Robinson (Facebook/The Philippine Pageantry)

Irish-Filipina beauty Shannon Robinson went home to an ecstatic welcome from her Mutya ng Pilipinas family after being crowned Miss Environment International 2023 in Mumbai, India last June 15. She completes the back-to-back win of Mutya queens for the first half of the year after Annie Uson Chen was earlier proclaimed Miss Chinese World 2023 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

In a victory party at the showroom of CWC Interiors in Taguig City, Mutya ng Pilipinas President Cory Quirino and Chairman Fred Yuson lauded Shannon for working very hard to bring home the crown. " We're very proud and we're very glad that she did,"  the two executives said.

Shannon is the first Filipina to win the top title in Miss Environment International which is just on its second staging. She also won Miss Active (Miss Congeniality) and Miss High Fashion Model - 2nd place in the competition. She succeeds Kayra Wouters of Belgium.

Shannon Robinson with her Mutya ng Pilipinas sister-queens

The 28-year-old Shannon, who is 2022 Mutya ng Pilipinas Luzon, recalled her experience: "I left (the Philippines) a bit overconfident but when I got there (India), I was definitely shellshocked. The competition was really fierce. As you know, I'm pretty new in pageantry and I just didn't expect how tough the competition would be."

"All that time, I was just staying true to myself, from start to finish. I had to trust myself, even when I was doubting," she added.

Shannon said it helped a lot that she had a good support system which included her Mutya family, her boyfriend Curt and her father, the famous 90s DJ John Robinson.

Shannon with Mutya ng Pilipinas chairman Fred Yuson (center) and Mutya ng Pilipinas president Ms. Cory Quirino (right).

Shannon's bio lists her as a singer, model, host, actress, events coordinator, and businesswoman. Before settling in the Philippines, she lived in Japan, UK, Thailand, and US

After winning the title, Shannon vows to vigorously help pro-environment efforts, particularly those that concern the Philippines' polluted oceans, especially those affected by oil spills.

After Shannon's successful stint, Mutya ng Pilipinas 2022 winner is expected to represent the Philippines in Miss Intercontinental 2023 to be held in Egypt later in the year. Other queens who are scheduled to compete are the following: Mutya ng Pilipinas Visayas 2022 Megan Deen Campbell for Miss Asia Pacific International 2023, Mutya ng Pilipinas Tourism International 2022 Jeannette Reyes for Miss Tourism International 2023, and Mutya ng Pilipinas World Top Model 2022 Arianna Kyla Padrid for World Top Model 2023.

Pauline Amelinckx thought she would be Miss Charm, not Miss Supranational

BY ANNALYN S. JUSAY

Jun 2, 2023 08:00 AM

  

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AT A GLANCE

• "People will always have their own opinions about you which they are entitled to. At the end of the day when it comes to overcoming body shaming, it's not about changing other people's opinions about you. It's about changing the voice inside your head and making it the kindest voice you'll hear, to have your positive opinion about yourself be the loudest and most unwavering one that you will hear," she stressed.

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Miss Supranational Philippines 2023 Pauline Amelinckx

Boholana-Belgian beauty queen Pauline Amelinckx revealed that she did not expect to be named the new Miss Supranational Philippines 2023 in a special ceremony last May 13 right after the Miss Universe Philippines coronation night. She added, however, that she's happy to take the title while rallying her fans to help her "pray and manifest for the second Miss Supranational crown for the Philippines" which was last won by Mutya Datul in 2013.

"I was actually surprised that they assigned Miss Supranational to me because based on the popular opinion of other pageant fans, I actually thought that it would be Miss Charm that would be assigned to me. But it's still a very happy experience and it's something that I looked forward to for the past three years when I proudly represented Bohol. Now I can finally say 'Philippines!' attached to my name abroad," Pauline said in an interview right after the B.R.A.V.E. Beauty body positivity event organized by  Junior Chamber International (JCI) Makati Princess Urduja headed by Michiko Unso.

Pauline, who is president of JCI Chocolate Hills, looked back on her performance in the recent Miss Universe PH pageant which has been the subject of controversy. Michelle Dee of Makati City won the tightly-contested beauty tilt while Krishnah Gravidez of Baguio City was hailed the new Miss Charm Philippines.

"I was a little bit disappointed with myself. To be perfectly honest, there were some areas, after self-reflection, where I thought to myself I could have done better and perhaps it would have changed some of the results," Pauline remarked.

"But at the end of the day, it's still a  'what if ' and I don't wanna ponder too much about the past because we can't change that anymore. Michelle (Dee) is very deserving and I'm sure she will make our country proud,"  she added.

Michiko Unso, president of JCI Makati Princess Urduja (right) with daughter Alek Unso, chairperson of the B.R.A.V.E. beauty fashion show

Pauline bared that she is now completing the paper requirements needed for her to compete in Miss Supranational 2023 in Poland and she will start her pageant training again in June.

The 27-year-old beauty queen, who competed in MUPh three times, noted that she will work on maintaining her composure onstage.

Pauline recalled her recent experience during the MUPh finals where jitters got the best of her.

"Going into the coronation night, I  really felt calm and collected but when Bohol was called into the Top 5,  I felt my heart racing because I realized this was  the third time I was able to get Bohol into the Top 5. So my heart was racing and my emotions took the best of me. I wasn't able to  get a clear mind in that moment. So I have to work on keeping my emotions in check especially when it matters the most on stage," she recounted.

Pauline said she was  heartened to receive congratulatory messages from fellow beauty queens, including actress and Reina Hispanoamericana 2017 Teresita Ssen "Winwyn" Marquez who also belongs to Aces and Queens.

Miss Supranational Philippines 2023 Pauline Amelinckx with Ashley Subijano, the Philippines' candidate to Miss Eco International 2023

"Hopefully, there's a  lot of lessons  that I can take from all the different  beauty queens, especially those who have competed in (Miss Supranational) Po; and who  already know where I should excel or where I can  progress a little bit more so I can represent the best of the Philippines," she pointed out.

The newly-crowned Miss Supranational Philippines 2023 has become a strong advocate of body positivity after her own experience of body shaming online during the three times she competed in the MUPh pageant.

This is the reason why she was presented as the main celebrity model during the B.R.A.V.E. (Bolder Reactions Against Violence to Empower) fashion show and fund-raiser held in Draper Start-up House in Makati City. Pauline wore a flowing white gown designed by her "momager" Mikee Andrei.

"People will always have their own opinions about you which they are entitled to. At the end of the day when it comes to overcoming body shaming, it's not about changing other people's opinions about you. It's about changing the voice inside your head and making it the kindest voice you'll hear, to have your positive opinion about yourself be the loudest and most unwavering one that you will hear," she stressed.

"The thoughts that I personally like to keep paramount are: that my body doesn't have to be sexy but strong,  although it can also be both. As long as my body is healthy and my spirit is happy.... kebs! di ba?," Pauline stated.

Aliwan Fiesta stages grand comeback on July 13-15

BY ANNALYN S. JUSAY

May 23, 2023 07:54 AM

  

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AT A GLANCE

• The colorful floats, the heart-stopping dances, and the majestic queens will be seen once again as Aliwan Fiesta makes a much-awaited comeback at the CCP Grounds on July 13 to 15. Its staging has been withheld since 2020 because of the pandemic.

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Festival beauties (from left) Reyna ng Aliwan 2017 Marla Alforque, Reyna ng Aliwan 2013 and Miss Earth 2014 Jamie Herrell, Aliwan Fiesta Digital Queen 2022 Marikit Manaois and Aliwan Fiesta Digital Queen 2020 Jannarie Zarzoso

Aliwan Fiesta is dubbed the "Festival of Champions." It is a feast for the senses with regional participants from all over the Philippines outdoing each other in the competition for the best float and dance parades. Of course, what is a fiesta without crowning a queen? Being chosen Reyna ng Aliwan is seen as a good launching ground for pageant contestants, some of whom have won beauty titles in the national and international sphere.

The colorful floats, the heart-stopping dances, and the majestic queens will be seen once again as Aliwan Fiesta makes a much-awaited comeback on July 13 to 15, 2023 at the CCP Grounds. Its staging has been withheld since 2020 because of the pandemic.

Representatives of the organizer, Manila Broadcasting Company, revealed that Aliwan Fiesta returns as a grand cultural extravaganza with a few changes, such as a new logo inspired by Filipino weaving artistry.

Winners of the Float Competition will receive the following cash prizes:  1st place - P750,000, 2nd place - P300,000, and 3rd place - P100,000 plus seven runners-up who will receive P25,000 each. Criteria for the judging of floats will be craftsmanship (50%), Theme (25%), and overall impact/ingenuity (25 percent).

On the other hand, the Dance Parade Competition will be judged based on theme/concept (35 percent), choreography (20 percent), performance (20 percent), costume (15 percent) and props (10 percent). The grand prize winner will receive a cash prize of P1.5 million while the ret will receive the following:  P750,000 (2nd prize), P300,000 (third prize), P150,000 (fourth prize) and P100,000 (fifth prize). Five runners-up will likewise be awarded P50,000 each.

Special awards will also be given for the Best Folkloric Performance, Best Costume, and Best Musical Accompaniment.

It was likewise announced that previous candidates and winners of Aliwan Fiesta Digital Queen are welcome to compete in the search for the  2023 Festival Queen, provided they are endorsed by their respective local government units.

Shown after the contract signing for the holding of Aliwan Fiesta 2023 are (from left): Dennis Marasigan, Vice President and Artistic Director of CCP,  Pasay City Mayor Emi Calixto-Rubiano; and Mr. Ruperto Nicdao Jr., President of Manila Broadcasting Company

This year's Reyna ng Aliwan will receive P150,000 in cash while the 1st runner-up is entitled to P75,000. Three 2nd runners-up will get P10,000 each. There will also be three special awards for Best in Festival Costume, Best in Evening Gown and Best in Swimsuit.

Reynas ng Aliwan Jamie Herrell (2013) and Marla Alforque (2017), as well as Aliwan Fiesta Digital Queens Jannarie Zarzoso (2020) and Marikit Manaois (2022)  made an appearance during the Aliwan Fiesta 2023 media launch held in Aliw Theater last week.

Jamie, who later became Miss Earth 2014, stated: "Aliwan Festival Queen was actually my very first pageant when I arrived in Manila in 2013. It's a very dynamic pageant that not only showcases the beauty and brains of women but also the festivals all around the Philippines. This is why it's considered the festival amongst all festivals, so good luck to all the candidates.

For her part, Marikit remarked: "Aliwan Fiesta is a melting pot of culture, the arts, beauty and talents. I'm so happy to be tagged as one of the queens. I hope that the next queen who will be crowned is someone that other people can relate to, someone who can inspire, and has a platform that could give back to the community."

Marla gave an advice: " To our future queens, i hope that when you come here aside from being beautiful and physically fit, you should also know the background story of your festival because you're not just representing yourself, you're representing your province as well as the culture and tradition you have back in your province."

Fresh from her Top 10 and Top 18 finish in Miss Universe Philippines 2023, Jannarie noted that being an Aliwan Fiesta Digital Queen is something that she carries with her "loud and proud."

"It has been my stepping stone, it's what catapulted me to the national stage, it's what made people know who I am - as the girl from the province who had big dreams of conquering the national stage," she pointed out.

"Thank you so much for the opportunity because you have allowed me to spread my wings and chase my dreams. Not everybody gets to do that," Jannarie told the organizers.