THE Luzon screening of the 2023 Hiyas ng Pilipinas has yielded 15 beauteous and starry-eyed aspirants at the well-attended occasion held at Luxent Hotel in Quezon City two Sundays ago.

The members of the selection committee, headed no less by Hiyas ng Pilipinas national director Atty. Eva Patalinhug, were tasked to select the official candidates from this regional screening, the first of three legs of screenings nationwide.

The committee members included experts and influential figures in the pageant industry: health advocate Mark Anthony Manaois, artist-producer Alpearl Saldin Tabiliran, fashion designer Zyrill Jane Jacinto, MCS Group of Companies legal counsel Atty. Isaiah Calumba, fashion stylist Alfy Almonte, Hiyas ng Pilipinas 2022 winner AZ Martinez and GMA Artist Anjo Damiles.

The aspirants at the Luzon screening were: Valerie Mores Ignacio, 22; Ellaiza Enriquez, 20; Cara Garcia, 20; Mienely Jane Correa, 20; Trisha Lanzo, 22; Joshly Andrea Briz, 18; Marielle Arida Panganiban, 17; Jannah Loslos, 21; Robemae Julia Tioxon, 21; Khristine Claire Rosendal, 20; Angel Bianca Agustin, 17; Ashra Maeve Gerona, 20; Suchi Kaye Lim, 22; Arianne Joyce Villareal, 25 and Fatima Kate Bisan, 23.

The Visayas screening, meanwhile, was held last Sunday at Summit Galleria in Cebu City while the Mindanao go-see will be on Sunday at SM General Santos.

The simplified screenings allow aspirants to represent any place in the Philippines in any of the regional venues.

The titles and prizes at stake are: Hiyas ng Pilipinas-Miss Tourism World 2023, P1 million worth of prizes and the opportunity to compete internationally in November 2023; Hiyas ng Pilipinas-Miss Omninational 2023, P500,000 worth of prizes and the opportunity to compete internationally in November 2023; and Hiyas ng Pilipinas-Miss Summit International 2023, P300,000 worth of prizes and opportunity to compete internationally in the second or third quarter of 2024.

Atty. Patalinhug and the pageant’s hands-on CEO Mike Sordilla thanked all the ladies who heeded the call for the screening as well as all their supporters and sponsors including Gold Crafts, Don Macchiatos, The 5th Multimedia, Innocentrix Philippines and Serene Oasis Resort- Oslob Cebu.

The official roster of candidates will be announced on August 5.

ALIWAN Fiesta, the “festival of all festivals” organized by Manila Broadcasting Company, is back after a hiatus of 3 years (because of the pandemic) and returns to the vibrant streets of Pasay City from July 13 to 15.

Among the multitude of captivating events in this cultural extravaganza, the Reyna ng Aliwan pageant stands out as a celebration of beauty, diversity, and the rich heritage of the Philippines.

After conducting Aliwan Fiesta Digital Queen for three years on the virtual platform, the face-to-face Reyna ng Aliwan returns, yielding 18 contestants from various regions, each representing their unique customs, traditions, and talents. Through this pageant, the multi-faceted aspects of Filipino culture and festival tourism are proudly exhibited, providing a platform for young Filipinas to showcase not only their physical beauty but also their intellectual prowess.

Reyna ng Aliwan has earned a preeminent status in the realm of beauty pageants in the country and has acted as a launching pad for many Filipinas to achieve success on both national and international stages.

Over the years, the communities that participate in Aliwan Fiesta have produced a remarkable number of queens who have achieved prestigious national and international titles.

The official candidates this year are: Erika Marie Sawma, Antipolo Maytime Festival; Deniece Allen Ayon, Panagbenga Festival of Baguio City; Doreen Pageu Ahuja, Dayang Dayang Festival of Pasay City; Kiara Liane Wellington of Talisay, Cebu, reigning Sinulog Queen; Niña Athena Ariza, Sangyaw Festival of Tacloban City; Mariela Bianca Acob, Tan-ok Ni Ilokano Festival of Ilocos Norte; Melanie Grace Gillamac, Palawod Festival of Bantayan Island, Cebu; Mary Ann De La Cruz, Halamanan Festival of Guiguinto, Bulacan; Raisa Kabugatan, Taga Giik Festival of Taguig; Kisha Honey Panis of Tacloban City, Pintados Festival of Leyte;

Ashley Misaki Francisco, Hamaka Festival of Taytay, Rizal; Kristine Billy Tabaday, Ayat Festival of La Union; Natalya Margaret Lindsay, Tagultol Fishing Festival of Atimonan, Quezon; Shane Pia, Himaya-an Festival of Himamaylan, Negros Occidental; Polyanna Martina Manalo, Anihan sa Ambling Festival of Magdalena, Laguna; Ghenesa Marie Mueller, Udyakan Festival of Kabankalan, Negros Occidental; Michaela Reen Egay, Tuna Festival of General Santos City; Patricia Marie Mendoza, Pasayahan Festival of Lucena City; and Jazminum Marciano, Kangga Festival of Mogpog, Marinduque.

The pageant unfolds tonight at the Aliwan Fiesta stage in front of Aliw Theater. Awarding and coronation of winners will be held tomorrow night, after the awaited street dancing competitions and parade of festival floats.

Neeve Comanda who represented Panagbenga Festival and has reigned as Reyna Ng Aliwan since 2019, will crown her successor.

THE Hiyas Ng Pilipinas Organization, headed by Atty. Eva Psychee Patalinhug, has announce that Azriel Atira Martinez Coloma a.k.a. AZ Martinez, Hiyas ng Pilipinas 2022 winner, has been chosen to represent the Philippines in the prestigious Miss Summit International 2023 pageant.

A GMA Sparkle Artist, AZ has been previously named as Philippine Youth Ambassador.

The pageant is set to take place on September 2, in Florida, USA. “This remarkable opportunity will showcase AZ’s exceptional talent, beauty, and intellect on the global stage. We at Hiyas ng Pilipinas stand united in pride and wholeheartedly support her as she embarks on this incredible journey,” Atty. Patalinhug said.

“As AZ Martinez represents the Philippines in Miss Summit International 2023, we extend our unwavering support and encouragement. Her selection is a testament to her remarkable qualities and dedication. With our support, we believe she will embody the essence of a true Filipina, captivating the world with her grace and charm. Hiyas ng Pilipinas proudly stands behind AZ Martinez, and we eagerly anticipate her shining brightly as she showcases the beauty and talent of the Philippines to the world stage.”

This development follows the recent launching of the new Hiyas ng Pilipinas entering a new era under it’s new management when the event was held at Luxent Hotel recently.

Aside from national director Atty. Patalinhug, the Hiyas ng Pilipinas executives present at the launching were: Mike Sordilla, CEO and chairman of the Board; Roy Erwin Tizon, creative director; Bryan Tarosa, communications director; Jaypee Lao, media relations director; Daniel Manila, Luzon director; Malayka Yamas, Visayas director; and Mark Dela Cruz, Mindanao director.

The Hiyas ng Turismo Pilipinas Foundation, Inc. was built on beauty, culture, and humanity. As a newcomer in the business, the 2022 Hiyas ng Pilipinas became a challenge to its current management, enabling the foundation to look for opportunities to change, resolve, and move forward.

The new CEO, Mike Sordilla, who presently owns four companies, is a philanthropist and pageant enthusiast who has judged and chaired national and local competitions. He is the founder, CEO and president of Innocentrix Philippines and MCS Group of Companies, the founder of MSordilla Builders, and the owner of Serene Oasis Resort.

Bringing the pageant closer to aspiring beauty queens throughout the archipelago, Hiyas ng Pilipinas has announced its Luzon screening set for July 16 at the Luxent Hotel. The Visayas screening will be held on July 23 while the Mindanao auditions will be held in General Santos City on July 30.

Applicants may come from and represent any place in the Philippines in the upcoming screenings.

A 24-year-old, 6-foot-3 college graduate and model from Quezon City was proclaimed as Mister International Philippines 2023, along with seven other titlists, in star-studded ceremonies at the Newport Performing Arts Theater in Pasay last Wednesday.

Austin Dizon Cabatana, a professional model and Business Management graduate of De La Salle College of St. Benilde, topped the field of 54 contestants from all over the archipelago as well as Filipino communities in the Middle East, to win the coveted title.

Cabatana earned his slot as the country’s official representative to the Mister International pageant which will be hosted by the Philippines with the global finals set for September 28, 2023.

Austin was born in Angeles City, moved to Nevada, USA but came back and currently resides in Quezon City.

During the final q&a round of the top 15 finalists, Cabatana picked the question “How do you define success?” He replied: “I define success not only as truly reaching one’s objectives and goals but also learning from your failures. I say this because in life, I was taught the hard way in learning that. I worked hard and went to school and after two years, I graduated with a degree in Business Management. So I am here to inspire the youth and my peers in society. Everything is possible; if I can do it, so can you.”

A deadringer for actor Donny Pangilinan, Austin is also a ramp and commercial model; he is a member of the Professional Models Association of the Philippines.

Two finalists were named as Mr. National Universe Philippines 2023: Ruslan Kulikov of Batangas City and Kenneth Aniban of Cavite City.

Completing the roster of winners are:

Nathaniel Tiu of Cebu City, Mister Earth International Philippines 2024; Ryan Cruz of Cagayan Province, Mister Charm Philippines 2023; Gabriel Bautista of Pasig City, Mister Globe Philippines 2023.

Shawn Khrysler Sulit of Oriental Mindoro, Mister Beaute Internationale Philippines 2023; Lhenard Cardozo of Taguig City, Mister Tourism International Philippines 2023; and Phil Tungul of Lubao, Pampanga, Mister Teen International Philippines 2024.

Tungul was awarded on stage by reigning Mister Teen International Robert Walcher IV who won in Bangkok recently. He also sat in the judging panel along with his mom, actress Patricia Javier.

Former Binibining Pilipinas finalist and now DILG Undersecretary for Plans, Public Affairs and Communication Atty. Margarita N. Gutierrez chaired the esteemed panel of judges.

The 4-hour show, organized by the Mister International Philippines Organization headed by Ameer Gamama and in collaboration with Mister International CEO Atty. Manuel Deldio, streamed live on the pageant’s Facebook page and was hosted by actor Nico Locco and former Binibining Pilipinas Intercontinental titlists Emma Tiglao and Gabrielle Basiano.

A TRIUMPHANT Mutya ng Pilipinas  Shannon Robinson arrived in Manila from Mumbai last Wednesday with a promise fulfilled – that she would do her utmost to win the crown of Miss Environment International 2023 for her beloved country.

The international pageant, only in its second year, was held at Fern Residency Turbhe in Mumbai, India.

Shannon’s court of honor is composed of: Cameroon’s Flora Puira, Miss Flora & Fauna; Zimbabwe’s Pauline Marare, Miss Ecosystem; Sri Lanka’s Romane Alvies, Miss Aqua; the United Kingdom’s Savannah Robyn, Miss Paradigm City and Colombia’s Juliana Aristizabal, Miss Environment Ambassadress.

A first-timer in pageantry, Shannon joined Mutya Ng Pilipinas 2022 last December, clinching the Miss Luzon title as first runner-up, reprising her mom Raquel Mababangloob Robinson’s finish in the same pageant back in 1989.

Shannon was met at the airport by her supportive dad, DJ John Robinson of the fabulous 80s disco scene fame.

A passionate advocate for a clean environment and a greener Philippines, Shannon intends to pursue more vigorously her intentions to clean up the country’s polluted oceans due to oil spills.

“Mutya Ng Pilipinas is open to collaborating with like-minded foundations in pursuing goals supporting sustainability and green advocacies,” said Cory Quirino, president of Mutya ng Pilipinas Organization at the victory party held at CWC Interiors BGC in Taguig.

“When we sent off Shannon two weeks ago, I said ‘It’s in the bag’ so we’re very proud of our second international victory,” said Mutya ng Pilipinas chairman Fred Yuson, referring to the consecutive streak after Anie Uson won as Miss Chinese World in Kuala Lumpur more than a month ago.

Also present at the victory party were Shannon’s batchmates in Mutya Ng Pilipinas 2022 namely Iona Gibbs, Celyn Bautista, Megan Deen Campbell, and Juvel Bea.

Meanwhile, Mutya Ng Pilipinas formally announces the start of their pageant search in July. Aspiring candidates may go to their official Facebook and Instagram pages. Inquiries may be entertained at mutyangpilipinasofficial.info@gmail.com.