WHO WILL WIN? | Favorites for Miss World Philippines emerge

August 30, 2017 - 5:43 PM
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Clockwise from top left: Cynthia Thomalla, Winwyn Marquez, Laura Lehmann, Jona Ili Sweett, Janela Joy Cuaton, and Gabriela Ortega. (Photos by Jill Tan Radovan/InterAksyon)

For the first time in its history, four crowns are up for grabs in the Miss World Philippines pageant.

Under the supervision of new franchise holder and national director Arnold Vegafria of ALV Talent Circuit and new general manager Bessie Besana, this year’s edition of Miss World Philippines is offering four titles.

In addition to the usual Miss World Philippines winner who will succeed Catriona Gray and compete in China this November for the Miss World crown, there will be a winner for Reina Hispanoamericana Filipinas who will compete in Bolivia this year, a Miss Multinational Philippines who will compete in India, and a Miss Eco Philippines who will take part in the Miss Eco International in April of next year.

This year’s pageant will also have three “fast track” competitions in Talent, Sports and Beach Beauty.

With 35 candidates, the pageant is also shaping to be one of the most competitive in years, with several frontrunners emerging since they were introduced early this month.

A production of ALV Events International, the Miss World Philippines grand coronation night will take place on September 3, at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City. The event will be hosted by Iya Villania, KC Montero and Carla Abellana, with special guests Jay-R, Kris Lawrence and other surprise guests.

Aside from the country’s past Miss World Philippines titlists such as Gwendoline Ruais, Queenierich Rehman, Megan Young, Valerie Weigmann, Hillarie Parungao and Catriona Gray, this year’s pageant will also be highlighted by the presence of Miss World founder and CEO Julia Morley and her entourage.

They include reigning Miss World Stephanie del Valle, reigning Mr. World Rohit Khandelwal, Miss World Caribbean Yaritza Reyes, Miss World Asia Natasha Manuella, Miss World Americas Audra Mari, Miss World Europe Lenty Frans, Miss World Africa Evelyn Njambi, Miss World Oceania Madeline Cowe, and special guest of honor Chief Zwelivelile Mandelsizwe Mandela, the eldest grandson of former South Africa president Nelson Mandela.

Here are at least six of those frontrunners that have figured prominently in pre-pageant predictions.