One beauty of pageantry is it discovers women from different fields. Case in point, Maria Loren DC Garcia, a 30-year-old employee at the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) Batangas was handpicked to represent the Philippines in Mrs. Tourism Queen International 2023 to be held in Nonkhai, Thailand from April 8 to 16.
A native of Rosario, Batangas, Garcia holds a degree in Banking and Finance from the Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP) and finished her Post Graduate Studies (MBA) at Philippine Christian University.
Married with three kids, she advocates the promotion of breastfeeding among mothers.
Garcia is busy preparing now for her pasarela, national costume, long gown, and other aspects needed for the international competition. She’s tapping local designers for her planned costume and gowns.
She was officially appointed by MegaStar Productions’ Ovette Ricalde, national director for the Philippine franchise.
Top Model Philippines returns
Not to be confused with Miss Supermodel Philippines and Supermodel International Philippines, Top Model Philippines is back with the launching of this year’s search for the country’s representative in the Top Model of the World pageant.
Top Model Philippines’ highest achievement was Michelle De Leon’s 1st runner-up finish in 2007 to Brazilian model Natalia Guimarães, but eventually assumed the title when the latter resigned to participate in Miss Universe 2007, wherein she finished 1st Runner-up to Riyo Mori of Japan.
The launching was led by Eduardo ‘Doods’ Domingo, national director of the World Beauty Organization (WBO) Top Model Philippines. Present at the event were Atty. Angie Gonzaga, head of Legal Department of MWBO Top Model Philippines, and early applicants, Querubin Gonzales, Janny Medina, Kathlene Hannah Duran, and Angel Bianca Agustin.
The pageant promotes inclusivity opening the contest to Filipino women 17 to 32 years old, single, married or single mother, and at least 5’6″ tall. Coronation is set at UP Theater Diliman on August 10.
A meaningful occasion
The ever-generous Avon Morales, Mrs. Asia Pacific Global 2019, celebrated her birthday with the orphan children of the DSWD Social Development Center. Morales has made it a mission to hold a party for the kids during her birthday, in cooperation with DSWD.
“The purpose of life is a life of purpose,” said Morales, who started her program with the kids even before she joined the pageant. She was motivated to pursue her mission after going through the pain and hardship she experienced while helping her mother fight cancer.
“My mother surviving cancer has made my passion for helping the poor communities stronger,” Morales added.
Binibining Pilipinas beauties showcase sustainable fashion
In line with Women’s Month and Earth Hour celebrations, Araneta City staged the Women Reinvent sustainable fashion show at Farmers Plaza on March 24.
The “City of Firsts” tapped Binibining Pilipinas International 2021 Hannah Arnold and the Binibining Pilipinas 2023 candidates to strut the runway in masterful creations of Filipino designers crafted from eco-friendly materials.
The Binibinis showcased the amazing collection of 12 local artisans who specialize in unique sustainable designs, as well as accessories by Tina Campos Jewelry and Christopher Munar, bags by Ma. Delza’s Native Product, and shoes by Aishe Fashion –all of whom are making a mark in the local fashion industry with their creative sustainable products, made by women for women.
The fashion show showcased the sustainable designs of PNay, Russ Cuevas, Adam Balasa, James O’Briant, Peñaflorida Atelier, Christine Lam, Kutur ni Jean, and Justine Aliman.
Araneta City’s “Women Reinvent” sustainable fashion show opens the series of public events and activities of Binibining Pilipinas 2023 at the City of Firsts leading to the coronation night in May.
The event also marks the participation of Araneta City in the global Earth Hour campaign happening on March 25. The City of Firsts will join the hour-long energy conservation with its lights off event. There is also the POP QC Eco Market and bicycle phone charging station in Ali Mall, and a Trade-A-Bag promo in Farmers Plaza.