With a stunning beauty of face, Hillarie Denielle Parungao will surely give the more than 120 participants in Miss World 2015 a run for their money. Sweeping most of the special awards, Parungao bested 25 lovely contestants to win the Miss Philippines World 2015 title at the exciting finals held at the Theater Solaire Resort and Casino on Sunday night.
Parungao, a 24-year-old, print and commercial model from Solano, Nueva Vizcaya, was asked about her philosophy in life during the Top 5 final interview to which she simply answered, “To always rely on compassion. I believe that compassion could open doors for many challenges in life, through compassion, we get to understand other people, and in understanding other people we become a better society.”
The Ilocana beauty was earlier named best in swimsuit, long gown, fashion runway and sports challenge as well as Miss Solaire, Miss Zen Institute, Miss Technomarine and Miss Phoenix. Parungao was crowned by Valerie Weigmann, Miss World 2014 semi-finalist, to earn a ticket to Sanya, China for the Miss World 2015 pageant to be held at the Crown Beauty Theatre on December 19, 2015.
Marita Cassandra Naidas was named First Princess, Mia Allyson Howell, Second Princess, Ma. Vanessa Wright, Third Princess and Emma Mary Tiglao, Fourth Princess. Naidas won Miss Bench, Howell was Miss Word Ilocos and Miss Talent jointly with Avonlea Paraiso and Vianca Louise Marcelo, Wright was Miss Jazzy France and Tiglao was Miss Photogenic and Miss PAL. Christelle Abello was voted Miss Friendship while Jannine Loudette Alipo-on and Tiglao were co-winners of Miss Unique Talent.
The 25 candidates were trimme down to the Top 13 that also included Ma. Jackielyn Dulay, Vianca Louise Marcelo, Christelle Abello, Jannine Loudette Alipo-on, Jessica Rose McEwen, Jeddahliz Maltezo, Janelle Tee and Kiaragiel Gregorio.
Parungao is embarking on a social cause to help eradicate child mortality in her hometown which she will take to the Miss World pageant as her “Beauty with a Purpose” project. A graduate of BS Nursing at Aldersgate College, Parungao has organized fun run to raise funds for the project, led medical volunteers in education families on proper nutrition and has started a 120-day feeding program in coordination with the DepEd and DSWD.
Miss World Philippines Director Cory Quirino said she sees in Parungao the perfect candidate at Miss World, in the same breath as when Megan Young won the title. She added that Parungao will undergo intensive training preparation in anticipation of the stiff challenge expected during the Miss World competition.
Megan Young, Ex-gov. Chavit Singson, former Senator Migz Zubiri, Cris Albert, Celine Matias, GMA network First VP Jose Mari Abacan, Bench CEO Ben Chan and “Rosalinda” lead Fernando Carillo, among others, comprised the board of judges. The Finals was telecast on GMA 7 and was hosted by Tim Yap, Iya Villana and Miss World 2011 First Princess Gwen Ruais. Kapuso heartthrobs Martin del Rosario, Derrick Monasterio, Jeric Gonzales and Kiko Estrada performed during the evening gown competition.