A battle royale is looming at the upcoming Miss Universe Philippines 2024 competition as several former Binibining Pilipinas titlists have officially been announced to join the star-studded line-up of delegates who will contest the coveted crown and the right to represent the country at the 73rd Miss Universe Competition in Mexico later this year.

With the removal of the maximum age limit for the official delegates starting with the 72nd edition of Miss Universe, many aspirants, including previous titleholders in Binibining Pilipinas who have won other than the Miss Universe crown, have been given another chance to take a crack at the coveted title and the honor to foray her personal advocacy on a bigger platform.

Let’s take a look at three former Binibining Pilipinas winners, all international pageant veterans as well, who are set to bring the national competition to a more intense level.

Kris Tiffany Janson, 34, was crowned as Miss Universe Philippines – Cebu 2024 after topping the field of 20 finalists at the regional finals held at Waterfront Cebu City Hotel and Casino last February 3.

A 5-foot-9 finance analyst who represented Cebu City North, Kris was previously crowned as Binibining Pilipinas Intercontinental at the national pageant at the Big Dome in 2014, and went on to represent Philippines at Miss Intercontinental 2014 where she placed second runner-up.

Meanwhile, Christi Lynn McGarry, 33, was appointed as Miss Universe Philippines -Taguig 2024 at the sashing ceremony held last Wednesday.

The 5-foot-11, Filipino-American beauty queen is originally from New Jersey. She is  currently based in Taguig.

She earned her bachelor’s degree in Marketing and Advertising from the Joseph I. Lubin School of Business of Pace University in New York, USA.

Christi is the only delegate to represent the Philippines at Miss Intercontinental twice. She initially competed at the international tilt in 2010 in her capacity as Mutya ng Pilipinas winner. As Binibining Pilipinas in 2015, she competed again and placed first runner-up.

Another prominent Binibining Pilipinas queen is Ma. Ahtisa Manalo, 26, from Candelaria, Quezon who was appointed as Miss Universe Philippines – Quezon Province 2024.

The 5-foot-8 beauty queen with Finnish, Swedish and Spanish lineage was previously crowned as Binibining Pilipinas International 2018 and represented our country at Miss International 2018 where she placed as first runner-up.

Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray has expressed her best wishes for the current journey of Ahtisa, her batchmate at Binibining Pilipinas 2018.

This early, pageant fanatics have placed their bets on these three “Binibinis” as well as other Binibining Pilipinas alumni who have also been officially appointed to join Miss Universe Philippines 2024.

Netizens have dubbed the upcoming Miss Universe Philippines as a “bardagulan” of sorts, referring to the slang term used for disputes on social media utilizing hate speech.

We certainly do not hope that to escalate, but rather a happy, healthy competition at Miss Universe Philippines 2024 sometime in May.

IN a final tableau of thirty-nine handsome hunks in royal blue suits on stage at the ballroom of Winford Resort and Casino Manila last January 28, Bacoor City’s Howell Adrian Liao Pantollana was proclaimed and crowned as King of the World Philippines 2024 in a well-presented inaugural finals show that also bestowed titles and runner-up placements to seven other finalists.

Pantollana was crowned as the first King of the World Philippines by Meg Perez, the new pageant’s founder and CEO.

What made his victory all the more sweeter was the fact that he defied the odds to win in a male pageant – he is in his prime (34 years old) and a proud single father of two adorable children.

“I can’t believe it! I am so happy!” Pantollana exclaimed. “All I wanted was to give my all in the competition, and now this is just amazing!”

It was never too late for this successful entrepreneur from Cavite. This was his first ever foray in pageantry, and while most people think his pageant entrance is a little late for his age, Howell proved critics wrong.

“It never crossed my mind that my age can be a hindrance. Instead, it was more of an advantage because I am bringing to the organization my life experiences in leadership, advocacy and philanthropy, and professionalism.”

In the final question, these aspects were further mentioned when asked what the difference is between being a Mister from being a King. Howell zeroed-in on leadership and his commitment to giving back and working with the organization in its mission and vision.

Howell also crushed the male pageant stereotype by being vocal from the start that he is a single father of two.

“I am a proud single parent. I want to set an example to my children, especially in the aspect of working hard to achieve goals and dreams,” Howell shared. “After working to make their lives comfortable, it was my turn to follow my dreams in pageantry. I am very happy that they, along with my family and friends, are very supportive. I love them so much, and this (victory) is for them.”

Howell’s journey to King of the World Philippines 2024 was not a walk in the park. It was a journey filled with hard work, late nights, and stress. It involved countless fittings, trainings and consultations on every aspect of the competition – from his look, his walk, his styling, even to his communication. His mentors from Vanguards headed by. Yhuong Botor made sure of that.

“I am so proud of him. All his hard work has paid off,” said Botor just as Howell was named the top winner.

Sharing victorious moments with Howell last Sunday were: Axell Chico of Bulacan, KOTWPH Model Discovery of the Year 2024; Ezekiel Joel Mora of Botolan, Zambales, KOTWPH Face of the Year 2024; Elvandrick Pede of Dumaguete City, KOTWPH Supermodel 2024;

Christian Joshua Villiones of Laguna, KOTWPH Tourism 2024; Rizmel Cabigao of Sta Rosa City, KOTWPH Charity 2024; Mohamed Emam of Pampanga, 1st runner-up; and Errol Nacion of Las Piñas City, second runner-up.

What’s next for the new king? After the celebrations, Howell will be training for the King of the World international finals in Manila in June.

THE inaugural King of the World Philippines kicked off last Friday with the presentation of its official candidates in grand fashion at Winford Resort and Casino Manila.

Thirty-nine handsome hunks from all over the country walked the red carpet in all-white ensemble before their identification banners, bearing the names of the province or municipality they represent, were pinned on them by no less than the pageant’s founder and CEO Meg Perez, together with beauty queen Tala Jean.

After introducing themselves one by one before members of the media, the candidates slipped into their swimwear to flaunt their physique, and later in casual jeans and shirt before special awards were presented to those who captured the hearts of the media and audience.

For founder and CEO Meg Perez, King of the World as a “royal” title signifies “sovereignty as it gives me a more meaningful reference to what a king should be, and that is the King of the World Philippines!”

“King of the World Philippines focuses on its four core values – Knowledge, where we advocate for empowerment through education; Integrity, where we uphold the highest standard of truthfulness guided by a moral compass; Nobility, where we conduct ourselves by gold standard virtues; and Greatness, where we inspire for supremacy, create it and live by it at all times.”

At the end of the event, the media chose their top 5 favorites, namely, Elvandrick Pede of Dumaguete City; Kristoffer Kelly Mendoza of Manila;  Rizmel Cabigao of Sta. Rosa, Laguna; Jomaris Cañete of Northern Cebu; and Howell Adrian Liao Pantollana of Bacoor, Cavite.

After embarking on a trip to Ilocos that took them to Sulvec-Santorini of the North in Narvacan, Ilocos Sur; Calle Crisologo in Vigan City; and the Burgos Sand Dunes and Bangui Wind Mills of Ilocos Norte, the 39 candidates plunge into crucial preliminary competitions tonight at Winford Resort and Casino Manila. The finals and grand coronation night will be staged on Sunday, also at Winford Resort.

Six crowns are at stake with the top winner going to King of the World 2024 in Manila in June.

AS we write, reigning Reina Hispanoamericana Filipinas Michelle Arceo is on her way to Santa Cruz, Bolivia to represent the Philippines at Reina Hispanoamericana 2023 which will finally be held after being postponed last year.

Arceo won the national title at the finals of Miss Grand Philippines 2023 held at the Mall of Asia Arena, Pasay City in July last year, earning the ticket to the Bolivia-based beauty pageant.

Born to an American father and a Filipino mother, 25-year-old Michelle is not new to the pageant world. She won the ‘Gandang Filipina’ competition of the GMA’s Wowowin in 2017. In 2019, she won Miss BodyCon 2019 at the Music Museum in San Juan City.

In the same year, Michelle represented Borongan at Miss World Philippines 2019 at the Araneta Coliseum in where she finished in the Top 12. In 2021, she took a second crack and represented Quezon City this time at Miss World Philippines 2021 at the Subic Bay Exhibition and Convention Center Hall A, Zambales, where she ranked sixth and was bestowed the title of Miss Environment Philippines 2021.

In 2022, Michelle represented the Philippines at Miss Environment International 2022 in Mumbai, India where she was adjudged first runner-up to Kayra Wouters of Belgium.

While preparing to represent our country at Reina Hispanoamericana 2023, Michelle took to her official social media and wrote, “My team and I have been working so incredibly hard the past few weeks to get all of the requirements together. Preparations haven’t been easy especially around the holiday season, but I’m so lucky to have super talented individuals to help me complete everything with the time given. Filipinas, are you ready?”

Before the holidays last December, Michelle went to Bacolod to pick up her national costume and excitedly gave netizens a peek at the colorful ensemble that is inspired by the Waling Waling, considered as the “queen of all orchids.”

Michelle is aiming to become the second Filipina to win the coveted Reina Hispanoamericana title which was won by actress Teresita Ssen Marquez in 2017 when the Philippines debuted at the pageant predominantly participated in by Latin American delegates.

Reina Hispanoamericana (Hispanic American Queen) is an annual beauty pageant celebrating Hispanic heritage, language and culture, started in 1991 as Reina Sudamericana (South American Queen), and based in Santa Cruz de la Sierra, Bolivia.

THE Miss Tourism Philippines, now on its 11th year, crowned its latest set of winners in a glittering show held at the Aurora Park in Laoag City, Ilocos Norte last December 20.

From the field of 15 beauteous finalists, all advocating for responsible and sustainable tourism, three ladies were crowned as winners along with their court of four runners-up.

Crowned as Miss Tourism Philippines – Queen Worldwide 2023 was Krishia Mae Manteras Abad, 26, from Tarlac City. She will be part of  the Miss Tourism Queen Worldwide later this year

Named as Miss Tourism Philippines – Universe 2023 was Julie Mae Panaga Villanueva from Isabela. A native of Cauayan City, she will vie for Miss Tourism Universe in Lebanon in September.

Chosen as Miss Tourism Philippines Ambassador 2023 was Lourdez De Leon from Zamboanga Sibugay. De Leon hails from the capital town of Ipil.

Runners-up were: Kianna Viatriz Aban, first, from Nueva Vizcaya; Mica Ezra Tobias, second, from Ilocos Sur; Ashley Palomata, third, from Bataan; and Micah Castrence, fourth, from Manila.

The pageant, founded in 2013 by Ms. Amy Sunio-Abarquez and erstwhile partner Gareth Blanco, has continually promoted the tourist destinations of the Philippines, including places that are not frequently visited but have a high potential for tourism, as well as unity in diversity of our culture and heritage.

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More than thirty contestants, all winners from their respective provinces and regions, will compete at the grand coronation night of Mrs. Philippines International to be held at Solaire Resort and Casino in Parañaque City this coming March.

Franchisees from some provinces are scheduled to select their winners very soon to join the initial roster of delegates who were presented to members of the media at Marriott Hotel last December.

To be staged by 3 Stars Productions spearheaded by husband-and-wife tandem Maan Cueto Aris and Aries Concepcion, Mrs. Philippines International is considered as the premiere national pageant for married women – inclusive of divorced, separated, widowed and single mothers – in the country.

The winners will represent the Philippines in Mrs. International, Mrs. Planet International, Mrs. National Universe and several other international pageants.

TWO Filipinas, one representing the Philippines and the other Canada, won at the Miss CosmoWorld 2023 world finals held at The St. Regis Hotel in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia Wednesday night.

The coveted title went to Shelby Ann Howell of the USA who bested the field of 25 delegates worldwide and inherited the crown from last year’s winner Meiji Cruz from the Philippines, eventually winning RM1,087,769 in cash and prizes.

Cruz is currently the organizer of the Miss CosmoWorld Philippines that crowned Elda Louise Aznar as its first winner last September.

Aznar, 27, from Davao del Sur, was named as first runner-up to Howell, while Maryna Karpeka from Ukraine was second runner-up.

Aznar won RM433,850 in cash and prizes (P5,171,920) from the organizer and sponsors. Karpeka, on the other hand, won RM274,963 in cash and prizes.

Elda also bagged 4 special awards, namely, Best in National Costume, Miss Glamorous, Miss Personality and Miss Healthy.

During the final question round, Aznar was asked by Kagandahang Flores Pageant Camp founder Rodgil Flores the question: If you will be crowned as Miss CosmoWorld 2023, what initiatives and projects would you champion during your reign?

Aznar replied: “If I were to win tonight, I will continue with my cause called Hope for Action. It is a cause that creates avenues to empower women and gives opportunities to my community. I believe a Miss CosmoWorld queen is not all about beauty and elegance; we are here to become leaders and inspire many to believe that there is no limit to what women can do.”

Rounding up the 5 finalists were Lithuania’s Sandra Borriseciute and Canada’s Gianna Margarita Llanes.

Llanes, a 28-year-old news anchor at Net 25 who competed at the most recent Binibining Pilipinas, grew up in Mississauga, Ontario, Canada.

Gianna was asked the final question “How would you promote peace and unity on an international scale in response to recent wars?” and her answer was, “As a news reporter by profession, I am actually heartbroken reporting about innocent lives being taken away because of war. But thankfully, I have that platform with my profession as a trailblazer for peace and unity to ignite conversations on why we must listen to one another, to embrace our differences. We must accept one another, understanding that with love, we can win any war.”

The Kuala Lumpur-based Miss CosmoWorld beauty pageant was founded by Malaysian  beauty queen Carrie Lee.