Celebrating its 50th year, the Miss Asia Pacific International 2018 officially presented an exact number of 50 delegates for its jubilee edition during press presentation held at the Forbes Ballroom Conrad Hotel Manila in Pasay City Tuesday afternoon.
Going back in 1968, a group of entrepreneurs, led by Leandro “Biboy” Enriquez, established the Miss Asia Quest with the objective of promoting peace, goodwill, trade, and tourism among participating nations”•in Asia, the Middle East and the Pacific. Taiwan’s Macy Shih earned the distinction of being crowned the first Miss Asia at the inaugural edition held at Araneta Coliseum on Dec. 8, 1968 with 14 countries competing including the Philippines’ Jane de Joya who placed 3rd runner up.
The Jubilee edition’s press presentation gave a preview of the top contenders for the crown led by country bet Sharifa Akeel who was voted Darling of the Press, second-placer Madeline Andrea Ferrara of Germany and 3rd placer Gabriela Palma of Brazil. Also making waves are Kazahkstan’s Didar Atmaja, Armenia’s Sona Danielyan, USA’s Mackenzie Lawrence and powerhouse Venezuela’s Mariani Nataly Chacon.
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Preliminaries will be held at the Forbes Ballroom Conrad Manila for the national costume competition, swimsuit competition at Safari Hotel and Villas, Vigan, Ilocos Sur , talent competition at The Loft @ Manansala, Plaza Drive, Rockwell Center Makati (Sept. 25) and evening gown competition at Alta D’ Tagaytay Hotel, Tagaytay City, Cavite (Sept. 28).
The 50th Jubilee Miss Asia Pacific International will culminate at the grand coronation night on Oct. 4 to be held the Newport Performing Arts Theater, Resorts World Manila, Pasay City.
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