Riding on a wave of K-Pop, K-cinema, and K-TV drama popularity across the globe, a Korean male model topped the recent Man of the World 2023 pageant held at the Samsung Performing Arts Theater, Ayala Circuit, Makati City.
Jin Wook Kim, 28, also a managing director from Seoul, Korea, won the judges’ nod with his big smile and warm personality to walk home with the 5th Man of the World title. He was crowned by outgoing Man of the World 2022 Aditya Khurana.
The boyish-looking Kim also won the Mister Congeniality, Best in Beachwear, and Best in Formal Wear special awards.
Hong Kong’s Henry Wong was named first runner-up while the Philippines’ James Reggie Vidal, Puerto Rico’s Robert Alexander Espaillat, and Vietnam’s Kim Khánh Lâm finished as 2nd, 3rd, and 4th runners-up, respectively.
Asked to expound on the Bible quote “Love of money is the root of all evil,” Kim said, “I think that money is essential for our life, but the important thing is that we have to think about what is more important. So, choose not to chase money, but think about our happiness, and family, and we can have a more happy life, more than money.”
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Bulakenya’s aura shines
On the distaff side, Khryss Go’s radiant beauty and distinct aura outshone all her other competitors during the finals of Miss Aura Philippines 2023, held at Eastwood Richmonde Hotel, in Eastwood, Quezon City.
Go, a native of Bulacan, also took the Miss Photogenic special award. She succeeded Micca Rosal and will be the country’s bet in Miss Aura International 2023 in Antalya, Turkey.
Currently a Nursing student at Far Eastern University, the reigning Binibining Malolos 2022 was discovered by a talent agent inside a dress shop in her hometown.
In the final interview portion, Go was asked, “What is your idea of a good life?” to which she replied, “My idea of a good life is being content with what you have and I want to use this as a platform as your next Miss Aura Philippines. I truly believe I have the four Bs – Beauty, Behavior, Brain, and Body, instilled with interactive compassion. I encourage everyone to be content in their life and to never stop giving.”
Apart from Go’s top title, three other titles were presented, namely, Miss Ragaza Mode Philippines 2023 Maiko Ibarde, Miss Freedom of the World Philippines 2023 Samantha Gabronino, and Miss Star International Philippines 2023 Alexandra Cabial. Mariel Baltazar and Patricia Tan were named first and second runners-up, respectively.
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First Mrs. Face of Tourism Philippines named
Unlike in the unveiling of the new tourism slogan “Love the Philippines,” it was smooth sailing at the crowning of the first Mrs. Face of Tourism Philippines 2023, during finals held at the SMX Park Inn by Radisson Clark, in Pampanga, on Saturday.
Lovely Susan Villanueva, a real estate broker from Baguio City, topped the inaugural pageant and earned the right to represent the country in Mrs. Face of Tourism International 2023 to be held in Thailand in November 2023.
As Mrs. Face of Tourism Philippines, Villanueva, who also won Darling of the Press and Best in Advocacy Video, will serve, not only as the Face of Elegance but a catalyst for positive change as well, empowering others to embrace the transformative power of tourism. She will work with the
Mrs. Face of Tourism Philippines, headed by founding chairman Annie S. Refrea, laid out the organization’s commitment to promoting tourism that is sustainable, responsible, and respectful of local culture and heritage, and has partnered with the National Association of Independent Travel Agencies Philippines, Inc. (NAITAS).
Villanueva’s court of honor includes Mrs. Face of Culture & Heritage: Jannith Lauce Romantico of Quezon; Mrs. Face of Eco Tourism Rowena Almocera of Bulacan; Mrs. Face of NAITAS Pamela Mariano Forte of Parañaque City; and Mrs. Face of Health and Wellness Ghette Legg of Pampanga.