Gabrielle Lantzer, the reigning Miss Manila, is set to hand over her crown on June 22, marking precisely a year since she clinched the prestigious title. She won against 19 other contestants last year and now feels a mix of emotions about leaving.
In an exclusive interview with the Manila Standard Entertainment, the 19-year-old college freshman at La Salle said she’ll miss the good times she had with the city government of Manila and the pageant team.
“It’s kind of bittersweet because I’m giving up my crown this year. There’s no specific event that serves as the highlight of my reign, but we’ve formed a sisterhood that I really love,” Lantzer said.
Looking to the future, Lantzer disclosed her aspirations for national and international pageants, considering potential participation in Miss World Philippines and setting her sights on Miss Universe Philippines in the coming years.
“I might join Miss World Philippines this year. But I still have a couple of years until I get ready for Miss Universe Philippines,” she said.
Reflecting on her transformative journey as Miss Manila, Lantzer underscored the significance of connecting with people from diverse backgrounds and drawing inspiration from their stories. Her parting advice to this year’s candidates emphasized camaraderie over competition, encouraging them to savor the experience and embrace the sisterhood fostered by the Miss Manila platform.
“I learned to appreciate those around me as Miss Manila. Holding the title closer to my heart, I got to meet people and get inspired by their stories, and that’s what makes me feel more empowered winning this title last year,” Lantzer emphasized.
“This is a competition, but I want them to enjoy the entire process together and not constantly compete with each other. They should enjoy the process of Miss Manila, but I personally believe that they should not adopt a very competitive mindset but just enjoy the experience and the sisterhood,” she added.
Meanwhile, Manila Mayor Honey Lacuna together with the city’s Tourism chief Charlie Duñgo spearheaded the launch and sashing ceremony of Miss Manila 2024 on Friday at the Bulwagang Villegas at the Manila City Hall.
Twenty-four worthy Manileñas were presented vying for the prestigious title of Miss Manila 2024. The official candidates are: Trina Martinez (Abad Santos), Victoria Isabella Bobier (Arlegui), Mikaela Rachell Orense (Arroceros), Lienel Navidad (Dagupan), Dindi Dianne Gibaga (Don Bosco), Jubilee Therese Acosta (Espana), Jeriza Uy (Gagalangin), Shefally Daime Valencia (Gastambide), Mary Angela Lim (Labores), Sandra Moustafa (Legarda), Sunshine Gabuat (Malate), Leean Jame Santos (Manuguit); Trisha Rosales (Morayta), Imee Soyangco (New Panaderos), Sofia Nina Cornejo (Otis), Charyzah Esparrago (Old Sta. Mesa), Jasmine Paguio (Paco), Estephanie Ladignon (Pandacan), Ednalyn Gunio (Quiapo), Christine Banzon (Sampaloc), Amanda-Kay Rhodes (San Andres), Xena Ramos (Sta. Ana), Aliya Rohilla (Sta. Cruz), and Daniella Mazen Moustafa (Tayuman).
Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray will return as host for the coronation night happening on June 22 at the Manila Metropolitan Theater.
This year’s search started to look for potential candidates in several Manila campuses from April and May with the help of Cream Silk Hair Care Institute and Binibining Pilipinas Universe 2002 Karen Agustin-Ostrea who gave a talk on personality development on each campus, was visited by the Miss Manila team.
It also opened its online application from April 2 to May 3. From more than 100 qualified candidates, these ladies were given a chance to impress an esteemed panel of screeners: Michelle Arceo, 2nd runner-up, Reina Hispanoamericana Filipinas 2023, Gerry Diaz of Aces and Queens, Rodgil Flores of Kagandahang Flores, Tita Lavinia of Titas of Pageantry, and Charlie Duñgo of the Department of Tourism, Culture, and Arts of Manila.
Miss Manila is a project of the City of Manila, The Department of Tourism, Culture, and Arts of Manila, in cooperation with KreativDen Entertainment.