The newest pageant in the Philippines has crowned its new queens. Hiyas ng Pilipinas, the first Cebu-based national beauty contest, staged its maiden edition at the Waterfront Hotel and Casino in Cebu City on March 27, with 35 aspirants from all over the country.
Dean Dianne Balogal, the reigning Miss Baguio Tourism, captured the top title Miss Tourism World Philippines. She was earlier voted by members of the media as “Darling of the Press,” and also received the “Lyka Queen” award.
During the final round of questioning, Balogal was asked how she can help boost tourism in the country as a titleholder.
She replied: “This is an organization that empowers women to embrace their local community and promote them to the world, as well as giving back to the community through different charitable activities. And one needs to have compassion, dedication and perseverance in order to do that. And that’s exactly who I am. I will bring that aspect to reach out to the community and present them to the world. I will proudly wear the Philippines on my body and present them to the world.”
The new queen will try to score the Philippines’ second Miss Tourism World crown, 20 years after Michelle Reyes gave the country its first, and so far only, victory in the global tilt.
Tacloban City’s Azriel Coloma was crowned Miss Elite Philippines. She was also proclaimed Miss Dynamic Power, Face of Hiyas ng Pilipinas, Bragais Choice and Miss Sellebratey.
Egypt-bound
Coloma will be sent to the Miss Elite pageant in Egypt next year.
Shannon Tampon will be the Philippines’ first entrant to the Miss Elite pageant, rescheduled in June, in Egypt.
The third queen to be crowned at the festivities’ culmination was Miss Tourism Queen International Philippines Phoebe Godinez from Lapu-Lapu City. She was also a “Lyka Queen” along with Balogal and semifinalist Megan Campbell.
Godinez will compete in the Miss Tourism Queen International pageant in Malaysia, and try to bring home the Philippines’ second victory 16 years after Justine Gabionza became the first Filipino woman to bag the title in 2006. —CONTRIBUTED INQ