Annabelle McDonnell, Miss Universe Philippines 2022 first runner-up, is currently in Vietnam competing in the ongoing Miss Charm International 2023. The 22-year-old Filipino-British beauty, born in the United Kingdom and raised in Iligan City, Lanao del Norte, was appointed by Miss Charm International and local franchise holder Empire TV as the country’s representative.
McDonnell, who’s pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Consular and Diplomatic Affairs at De La Salle-College of St. Benilde, works as an assistant at Iligan City Mayor’s Office. An abandoned child, she worked hard to fulfill her dream to become a beauty queen.
“I can’t believe that I’m living out my dream of representing the Philippines in an international pageant,” said the former Miss Iligan 2018 and Miss Lanao del Norte 2019.
Miss Charm International, a pageant that aims to promote Vietnamese culture and tourism to the world, was launched in 2019 but was delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. It will have its final night on February 16, in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.
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Binibining Pilipinas 2023 Top 40 Official Candidates presented
The Official Top 40 candidates of Binibining Pilipinas 2023 recently named are a mix of experienced and newcomers in national pageants who will vie for the three titles up for grabs. Anna Lakrini, who finished in the Top 12 last year and is the only returning contestant, leads other aspirants including Angelica Lopez and Mirjan Hipolito, Top 16 semi-finalists in Miss Universe Philippines 2022 and 2021, respectively.
Coming from Miss World Philippines 2021 are Trisha Martinez (Miss Tourism Philippines 2021) and Lea Macapagal (Top 15); while from Miss Philippines Earth are Sofia Galve (Miss Philippines Eco-Tourism 2021), Ma. Gianna Margarita Llanes (Miss Philippines Earth–Water 2020), and Kiara Giel Gregorio (Miss Philippines Earth-Air 2016).
Mary Joy Dacoron, a professional volleyball player and former member of the Adamson University Lady Falcons, may follow in the footsteps of Michelle Gumabao, who won Bb. Pilipinas Globe 2018. Jessilen Salvador, sister of actress Maja Salvador, also made the list.
The rest of the candidates are Elaiza Dee Alzona, Paulina Labayo, Jeanne Isabelle Bilasano, Rheema Adakkoden, Zeah Nestle Pala, Lyra Punsalan, Katrina Mae Sese, Alasha Reign Parani, Samantha Dana Bug-os, Vientree Zoe Santiago, Anje Mae Manipol, Andrea Marie Sulangi, April Angelu Barro, Charismae Almarez, Julia Mae Mendoza, Rasha Cortez Al Enzi, Juvel Cyrene Bea, Tracy Lois Bedua, Sharmaine Magdasoc, Babyernh Llong, Xena Ramos, Paola Allison Araño, Mary Chiles Balan, Pia Isabel Duloguin, Julianne Rose Reyes, Candy Vollinger, Katrina Anne Jhonson, Allhia Charmaine Estores, Lorraine Jara, and Yesley Cabanos.
Bb. Pilipinas Charities, Inc. (BPCI), headed by chairperson Stella Márquez Araneta, had withdrawn from the Miss Grand International pageant leaving the organization with the Miss International, Miss Intercontinental, and Miss Globe franchises for the pageant’s 59th edition.