45 ‘beauty with a purpose’ advocates vie for Miss World Philippines crown

Following the return of the long-delayed 70th Miss World pageant in San Juan, Puerto Rico in December, local organizer has announced that a total of 45 beautiful candidates are vying for the title of Miss World Philippines 2021.

Arnold Vegafria, national director of Miss World Philippines Organization, said that the COVID-19-postponed national search will crown its new winner on July 11. Other coveted titles at stake are Miss Supranational, Reina Hispanoamericana, Miss Eco International, Miss Eco Teen International, and Miss Tourism.

“This is a good batch with many coming from the provinces and dominated by morena beauties,” the pageant director said. 

Pageant veterans and returning aspirants led the early favorites, which include television reporter Ganiel Krishnan, Miss Asia-Pacific International 2016 second runner-up; Kathleen Paton, Miss Manila 2018 and Miss Teen International 2017; Tracy Maureen Perez, Miss Universe Philippines 2020 Top 16 and Miss Photogenic; Riana Pangindian, Bb. Pilipinas 2016 Top 15 and Miss Universe Philippines 2020 Semifinalist; and Top 16, Binibining Pilipinas 2016 Dindi Pajares. Other standouts during the final screening were Asha Gutierrez, Trisha Martinez, Emmanuelle Vera, Shaila Roberta, Michelle Arceo, and Anna Caress de Mesa.

Michelle Marquez-Dee represented the country at the 69th Miss World pageant held in December 2019 where she finished among the Top 12 finalists.

The following are the rest of the candidates: Sade Nicha, Mary Rose Guiral, Ambriel Pascual, Tatyana Austria, Andrea Sulangi, Natasha Jung, Sherenade Gonzales, Ann Palmares, Ruffa Nava, Megan Campbell, Shannen Manzano, Donna Marie Balaoro, Divina Villanueva, Gwen Fourniol, , Danica Dilla, Ria Siozon, Danielle Mayo, Mikaela Leonardo, Mara Ruiz, Kimberly Cimafranca, Angelica Datu Famorcan, , Pauline Robles, Kyle Dorado, Dannah Joy Tempra, Lea Macapagal, Maricollin Ramirez, Julie Tarrayo, Jo-ann Flores, Kim Babao, Esel Pabillaran, Janelle Lewis, Rachel Valera, Joy Barcoma, and Samela Godin.

Depending on quarantine protocols, local organizers plan to stage the final either at the Araneta Coliseum or at the Mall of Asia Arena.