THE eight official contestants of the inaugural Mrs Universe Philippines FDN Valenzuela City 2024 were presented to members of the media in a grand conference held at Casa de Polo, a posh heritage-inspired events place in Valenzuela City, last May 9.

They are Antonette Paler, 36, Bgy Arkong Bato; Marilou S. Rosete, 47, Bgy Pasolo; Maria Sophia Blanco Panoy, 23, Bgy Isla; Giselle Raymus, 52, Bgy Lingunan;

Virgie Rose Conde, 29, Bgy Mapulang Lupa; Jes-Lin Del Mundo-Santos, 34, Bgy Malanday; Mary Grace Alcover, 29, Bgy Ugong; and Abramella Urbano Moya, 33, Bgy Gen T. De Leon.

The search is organized by Mrs Universe Philippines FDN Valenzuela City regional director Thea Isla Sian. National director Maria Charo Calalo was also present to support her queens in their quest to raise the standards of the regionals to the next level.

Last year, Thea represented North Pacific Asia in the Mrs Universe FDN held in Manila. She finished in the top 25, and ranked 10th overall.

After that rollercoaster journey, Thea acquired the regional directorship of Mrs Universe Philippines FDN and put up the search for her native Valenzuela’s next delegates to the global tilt.

With total support from her family, including husband Johnson Sian, four daughters and son, sister, and practically everybody who is next of kin, it would, indeed, take a clan to make the new beauty queen of Valenzuela City.

The finals and coronation night where Thea Isla Sian will crown her successor will be held at Valenzuela City’s Amphitheater on June 14, 2024.

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The 60th Binibining Pilipinas candidates have been appearing in fashion shows and the traditional Santacruzan at Araneta City as a way of attracting mall visitors to visit the new leisure and dining areas of Gateway Mall 2, particularly at the ground level’s The Lagoon and Level 3’s Quantum Skydeck.

Today, however, at noon, the 40 candidates will be officially presented at New Frontier Theater where members of the media will vote for their choice of Face of Binibini.

On Tuesday in the same venue, the ladies will don national costumes that depict the traditions and heritage of the places they represent.

More of Binibining Pilipinas in the next issues.

THE first edition of Little Miss & MIss Teen Universe has concluded with the finals held at The Skydeck of Madison 101 Hotel in Quezon City after crowning two Filipinas, a Vietnamese, and a Thai  as the major winners in four categories.

For the Mini Miss category, Fawanmai Kaerawang of Thailand was crowned as the grand winner, taking the title Mini Miss Universe 2024. First runner-up was Nguyen Minh Phuong of Vietnam while second runner-up was Ma. Regina Jereza of the Philippines.

In the Little Miss category, Dao Nguyen Hong Lam of Vietnam was crowned as Little Miss Universe 2024. The other winners were Anda Natkrista Inthong of Thailand, Little Miss Universe Ambassador 2024; Hannah De Vera of the Philippines, Little Miss Universe Tourism 2024; Morn Keithsthana of Cambodia, Little Miss Universe Global 2024; and Mhiyukiee Lhee Saunar of the Philippines, Little Miss Universe Asia 2024.

For the Pre-Teen division, The Philippines’ Kristina Cassandra Rosales was crowned as Miss Pre-Teen Universe 2024 while Cambodia’s Chhorn Sreypov took the Miss Pre-Teen Global 2024 title.

In the Mise Teen division, Princess Mina Fukaya of the Philippines took home the Miss Teen Universe 2024 title. The other subsidiary titleholders were: Thailand’s Chatkaew Khadthad, Miss Teen Universe Tourism 2024; Japan’s Mizuki Kadokawa, Miss Teen Universe Global 2024; and Cambodia’s Yinda Sokhasotheany, Miss Teen Universe Asia 2024.

Crucial preliminary judgings were held before the finals where the delegates showcased their talents and presented themselves in their national costumes, resort wear as well as formal dresses.

The preliminary judging committee was composed of Mari Con Almarez Amboy, Seowoo Noh, Princess Nehl, Cathy Roxas Rodrigo, Salilican Krizzia Chelsea, and Al-Ajarmeh Samie.

The final selection committee was composed of Alfie Bautista Eufemio, Ma. Mitzie G. Gil, Ekwealor Victor, Ferdinand Abejon, Yam Cundangan, Hanna Therese Cruz, Shane Mag-abo, Mariano Perez Flormata Jr., JM Robles, and Wej Cudiamat of TV and Radyo Agila of NET25.

Organized by La REINA Filipinas Organization, spearheaded by beauty queen-entrepreneur Cristhel Fraulein Gardoce Bulabon, the shows were directed by Ed Pillora and Andrew Duma-up.

“A heartfelt thank you to everyone who made the inaugural Little Miss & Miss Teen Universe pageant a success,” Cristhel said after the coronation show. “It has been an incredible journey filled with ups and downs, but I am grateful for the support and dedication of every single person involved.”

FROM lightning-fast kicks to captivating strut, Jenina Anne Lui isn’t just another name in the field of 53 contenders for Miss Universe Philippines (MUPH) 2024. This 21-year-old Filipino-Australian beauty from Sydney traded her barefooted taekwondo matches for high-heeled pasarelas, proving that strength and grace can shine together on any stage.

Over a decade ago, Jenina’s odyssey in martial arts started on the taekwondo mat. Inspired by her father’s and brother’s passion for the sport, she quickly discovered her own talent and skill. Within five years, she went from white belt to black belt, raking up wins at local, national, and even international competitions in Japan and South Korea.

But her fighting spirit didn’t stop there.

When the MUPH competition broke down barriers by welcoming overseas Filipinos and dropping the height requirement, Jenina saw another opportunity to compete and challenge herself on a new platform.

While height is undoubtedly an asset in both pageantry and taekwondo, Jenina is undeterred by her stature as she approaches the challenge with poise and determination, allowing her formidable qualities – natural Filipina beauty, vibrant personality, and sharp intellect – to shine through.

Drawing from her athletic background, Jenina understands the importance of meticulous preparation, both physically and mentally. Just like in taekwondo, she trains her pasarela with dedication, knowing that a strong mental will is key in any competition.  In the pageant realm often associated with glitz, glam and outward appearances, Jenina defies the norm.

Jenina redefines the image of a beauty queen, emphasizing the depth of character, showcasing the whole self, and the power of storytelling. For her, the Miss Universe stage is not merely a platform for glamour but an opportunity to inspire and uplift others with her message that resonates: any woman with passion, will, and resilience can open doors and inspire others.

Midway through the competition, Jenina has, thus far, successfully transcended barriers to foray her causes of cultural appreciation and community service.

Jenina’s story is more than a transition from spirited sparring to passionate pasarela. It’s about embracing her Filipino heritage, breaking stereotypes, and proving that beauty goes beyond physical appearance.

This is the story of a woman who kicks down barriers, both on the mat and on the stage, inspiring others to do the same.

THE Miss Earth 2023 titleholders were welcomed at a grand media conference at Brittany Hotel Villar City in Bacoor,  Cavite last Tuesday.

The environment-savvy beauty queens –

Miss Earth 2023 Drita Ziri from Albania, Miss Earth Air 2023 Yllana Marie Aduana from the Philippines, Miss Earth Water 2023 íí° Lan Anh from Vietnam and Miss Earth Fire 2023 Cora Bliault from Thailand – are in the country to take part in the promotion of “Heritage and Eco Tourism” with the Miss Philippines Earth 2024 until May 12.

They will also grace the coronation night of the national finals in Talakag, Bukidnon this May 11.

The exclusive media conference was organized by Carousel Productions and Miss Jam Aquino and her team.

Wearing elegant fully-beaded evening dresses by Louis Pangilinan in hues that fittingly match the elements they represent, and styled by Patrick Henry Mergano, the ladies gamely answered questions from the press about their advocacies, impressions of their visit here and the warm reception they experienced, as well as the legacy they want to leave with the organization after they have relinquished their crowns to their successors.

The reigning queens topped the field of 85 delegates worldwide at the 23rd edition of the advocacy-driven pageant held at Van Phuc Water Music Square in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam on December 22, 2023.

At 18 years of age, Drita Ziri is the youngest Miss Earth winner and Albania’s first major world beauty queen.

The ladies are now in Talakag, Bukidnon where a welcome motorcade has been prepared for them today by the town’s officials.

Meanwhile, the 29 contestants for the 24th Miss Philippines Earth finals are in the final leg of the series of competitions that will select the successor of Aduana who will eventually be the country’s official representative to the 24th Miss Earth pageant later this year.

We have picked the following contenders who are likely to be the frontrunners for Saturday’s finals, namely, Ira Patricia Malaluan of Batangas City, Sam Samara of Makati City, Ansha Lichelle Jones of Zamboanga City, Kristel Codas of Iligan City, and Irha Mel Alfeche of Matanao, Davao del Sur.

MISS Eco International Philippines 2024 Chantal Elise Legaspi Schmidt, 22, is currently in Egypt, competing at the ongoing Miss Eco International Pageant which will hold its world finals in Cairo on Sunday, April 28.

A law student and part-time model, Chantal is aiming for the Philippines’ third Miss Eco International title, after Cynthia Magpatoc Thomalla who won in 2018 and Kathleen Paton who triumphed in 2022.

Forty-five beauty delegates worldwide are currently gathered in Egypt eyeing for the coveted crown at the final show on Sunday.

Statuesque at 177 centimeters (5 feet, 10 inches), Schmidt was officially crowned Miss Eco International Philippines 2024 at the official press presentation of Miss Universe Philippines 2024 held last February 18 at the grand ballroom of Hilton Manila.

At the event, The Miss Philippines organization, the sister pageant of Miss Universe Philippines, announced the appointment.

Schmidt, born in Hong Kong, was raised all around the world. Her mother hails from Bacolod, Negros Occidental and her father is from Frankfurt, Germany. Chantal has lived in Sydney, Bacolod, Frankfurt, Hong Kong, Cebu, and Manila where she currently resides.

She holds a Bilingual International Baccalaureate Diploma in German and English from the Cebu International School. Currently, she is pursuing a degree in Law at a German university through online classes.

The Philippines has been most successful at the Cairo-based pageant. Aside from titleholders Thomalla and Paton, two Pinay delegates also finished second: Maureen Montagne in 2019 and Kelley Day for 2020/2021; and Ashley Subijano Montenegro, top 21 semifinalist in 2023.

Vietnam’s Nguyen Thanh Ha, the reigning Miss Eco International, will crown her successor at the end of the finale at Triumph Luxury Hotel-New Cairo on Sunday.

CAROUSEL Productions presented to members of media twenty-nine environment-savvy beauties from all over the archipelago as well as Filipino communities abroad as delegates of the 24th Miss Philippines Earth pageant at Lime Resort Manila in Pasay City last Wednesday.

Dedicated to honoring heritage and championing environmental conservation nationwide, the contestants paraded in nude pink swimwear by Ricky Ramirez Abad at the hotel’s beach club by the bay.

They are: Reyna Michelle Ruhen, Aborlan, Palawan; Jonalyn Balauro, Aglipay, Quirino; Samantha Dana Bug-os, Baco, Oriental Mindoro; Issa Dannise de Leon, Baler; Russel Joy Ranido, Balingasag, Misamis Oriental; Ira Patricia Malaluan, Batangas City; Chaoncy Rich Azucena, Baungon, Bukidnon; Victoria Johnson, Brandon, Florida; Merryjoy Dayrit, Bustos, Bulacan; Marinell Salvador, Cabanatuan; Abegail Cajeras, Dasol, Pangasinan; Reca Mae Abueva, Davao City; Cristine Kaye Bautista, Esperanza, Agusan del Sur; Kristel Codas, Iligan; Shaima Al-Yansuri, Iloilo City;

Kate Camille Pioquinto, Ipil, Zamboanga Sibugay; Rin Rin Rances Raz, Lupao, Nueva Ecija; Sam Samara, Makati; Kheanne Marie Rosales, Manay, Davao Oriental; Mary Joanne Fuentes, Maramag, Bukidnon; Ihra Mel Alfeche, Matanao, Davao del Sur; Gwen Marie Perion, Opol, Misamis Oriental; Cathleen Santiago, Pasig; Angela Cabuguas, Passi City; Jeyzel Ann Reyes, Rome, Italy; Feliz Clareianne Thea Recentes, Sindangan, Zamboanga del Norte; Bethany Aguelo, Sto. Niño, South Cotabato; Kia Labiano, Titay, Zamboanga Sibugay; and Ansha Lichelle Jones, Zamboanga City.

After their swimsuit parade, the media voted for the Darling of the Press award where Batangas City’s Ira Patricia Malaluan won the gold medal. Jeyzel Ann Reyes from Rome, Italy took the silver while Gwen Marie Perion from Opol, Misamis Oriental got the bronze.

Malaluan and Reyes were also chosen as top 10 Hana Beauties along with the delegates from Baco, Oriental Mindoro; Baungon, Bukidnon; Iligan; Makati; Matanao, Davao del Sur; Sindangan, Zamboanga del Norte; Titay, Zamboanga Sibugay and Zamboanga City.

The press presentation was hosted by reigning Miss Philippines Earth and Miss Earth Air 2023 Yllana Aduana and her court of “elements” Kerri Reilly (Air), Jemimah Zabala (Water), Sha’uri Livori (Fire) and Athena Auxillo (Eco Tourism).

Aside from promoting their community heritage and their own advocacy, the delegates will go on a provincial tour, particularly to Borongan, Eastern Samar; Antique and Iligan, that will serve as a platform for community engagement and collaboration, as well as school tours, charity visits, environmental events and pre-pageant competitions.

This year, Miss Philippines Earth continues to break new grounds as it holds the coronation night for the first time in the Province of Bukidnon. Called the “Heartland of Mindanao,” Bukidnon is home to seven indigenous tribes: Talaandig, Higaonon, Bukidnon, Umayamnon, Matigsalug, Manobo, and Tigwahanon.

The finals and grand coronation is slated on May 11 in Talakag, Bukidon and will be streamed live via Miss Philippines Earth’s Facebook page and YouTube channel. It will also be telecast on Sunday, May 12, on A2Z Channel.

Miss Philippines Earth 2024 will vie for the 24th Miss Earth later this year.

Malaya is a media partner of MIss Philippines Earth as it has been for the past 24 years.