Beauty queens turned philanthropists, Dr. Riza Oben Dormiendo and Michelle Vitug Encarnacion, both distinguished in pageants for married women, received numerous accolades during the year-end awards night and holiday event hosted by Mrs. Philippines International (MPI) at Marriott Hotel in Pasay last Tuesday.
The Mrs. Philippines International Ambassador title was presented to Dr. Dormiendo by reigning Mrs. Elite International Michelle Vitug Encarnacion, Mrs. Philippines International 2023 Irma Payod-Bitzer and MPI Organization founder Maan Cueto Aris.
The tireless president of Inner Wheel Club Philippines – Muntinlupa Filinvest D383, who is always on an outreach mission to help the underprivileged in far-flung communities, Dormiendo is the exact opposite of the restive and comfortable state that her name implies (“Dormiendo means “sleeping” in Spanish).
Aside from the title, she was also named MPI Star of the Night. Finally, she was bestowed the Inspire PH Hall of Fame award for having been the recipient of the Diamond Excellence Lifetime Achievent Award as well as having graced the cover of the online magazine whose platform it is to feature the stories of successful businessmen as well as small entrepreneurs who have successfully transcended barriers in their respective industries and made an impact into their communities.
For her part, Encarnacion was named MPI Scene-stealer of the Night. The founder and CEO of Belmere Skin Care Center who has been regularly doing charity works for her chosen beneficiaries in Manila as well as in her native Albay, was also awarded the Inspire PH Cover award.
Twenty-one candidates for the search for Mrs. Philippines International 2024 were also presented to members of media who, in turn, engaged them into a meet-and-greet session.
The delegates came from Cebu, Occidental Mindoro, Metro Manila, Cavite and Laguna. Contestants from Albay, Batangas and several other provinces are still to be chosen in their respective provinces and regions.
The finals of the 2024 national pageant will be held in March next year.
More stories on the pageant as well as on Queen of Hearts, headed by Ma Mitzie G. Gil, next year.
