ON June 5, a new set of queens will be crowned at the Miss World Philippines 2022 Coronation Night at the Mall of Asia Arena. Unlike the eight crowns that were given in the exhausting show last year, the four crowns up for grabs make this year’s edition more exciting: Miss World Philippines, Miss Supranational Philippines, Miss Eco International Philippines, and Reina Hispanoamericana Filipinas.
The live telecast will be shown on CNN Philippines, on June 5 at 9 pm. Thirty-six candidates are in contention. My Tantalizing 10 are featured in their incredibly beautiful national costumes, as they share the substantial thoughts behind their pretty faces.
- BEATRIZ ABALAJON MCLELLAND, AKLAN—As the “Carnival Queen,” Beatriz wore a creation by Chico Estiva.
“I rested long enough from pageantry to finally say that I am back and I am better. I am back with a greater cause and for a more meaningful purpose serving the people through pageantry, especially the cause that I stand for—the fight against cervical cancer. Together with my CerviQ family whom I have started advocating with since last year, with your help, we will be able to take a step forward in ending cervical cancer in our country.”
- NATAZHA VEA BAUTISTA, MISAMIS ORIENTAL—As Reyna de las Flores, Vea wore a Mindanao Silk creation by Gil Macaibay III, a metaphor for a modern-day reyna—modest, elegant and empowered.
An international studies student at Xavier University—Ateneo de Cagayan, she is the fourth runner-up at Miss Kuyamis 2022. Her sister Nellza Bautista was Miss Earth Philippines Fire 2017. “An ‘Exceptionally Empowered Filipina’ is always prepared. She knows how to remain graceful under pressure.”
- GWENDOLYNE FOURNIOL, NEGROS OCCIDENTAL—As Reyna Emperatris, Gwendolyne wore a stupendous Louis Pangilinan piece inspired by the MassKara Festival of Bacolod City.
“I had the opportunity to express myself in ways that I could have never imagined at my press conference. It was a reminder to myself as to why I have the strength to keep pushing myself to my limits by joining @msworldphil a second time, because I knew deep in my heart that I have a special purpose and that purpose can only be fully realized with a crown. Hence, I’m working hand in hand with ERDA Foundation [which] is taking care of children, segregated from their human right to access education.”
- ALISON BLACK, LAS PIÑAS CITY—As Reyna de las Estrellas, Alison wore a creation by Patrick Isorena.
“I woke up today as a ‘Beauty With A Purpose’ finalist. It’s true what they say—to be a beauty queen is to have a platform. I’m immensely grateful for this platform at @msworldphil where I can talk about the women who made Project Girl Boss possible. Thank you @cribsfoundationinc for allowing my project to come to life and for giving me an opportunity to fall in love with the CRIBS girls even when I was teaching them ballet. I can’t wait to see them grow up as entrepreneurs and leaders of their own lives.”
- CHARYZAH ESPARRAGO, TAGUIG—Also Reyna de
las Estrellas, Charyzah wore a design by Kieren Stefan Tirado.
“Some of you may know me as Charyzah, or Candidate 23, but allow me to introduce my favorite title: Ate Cha! I already had an affinity for working with kids since I would often go to work with my mom who was a babysitter at a time. There is nothing more unstoppable than a curious child and my advocacy project works to ensure that even children in difficult circumstances feel empowered to pursue whatever education they please. To @habitatupd , thank you for allowing me to be the [vice president] of advocacy and connecting me with the most amazing community.”
- PAULA ORTEGA, ALBAY—As Reyna Elena, Paula wore a “Daragang Mayon” creation totally made of abaca by Bet Acuña.
“My Beauty with a Purpose project is ‘Safe spaces for children with special needs.’ In 2020, after stressful events and a pandemic in between, I was diagnosed with depression. I lived with the fear of being judged and tagged as ‘unstable,’ when I was just vulnerable. Children with special needs are severely affected by the stigma and I want to change this perception. I want these children not to be scared like I was. Let’s bring hope and happiness to these kids’ lives by giving them the guidance and empowerment they deserve.”
- MARIA INGRID TERESITA PALANCA SANTAMARIA, PARAÑAQUE CITY—As Reyna Elena, Sam wore a blush pink Filipiñana in “Sunduan” silhouette by Ehrran Montoya, paired with a custom Farah Abu headpiece. Sam was a finalist at Miss Universe Philippines 2021.
“Looking forward to the start of a new experience and coming back stronger than ever with my dearest mentors at @thecampofficial. Thank you for always seeing my potential and believing in my abilities. You guys are my strength on the days when I feel defeated, and my courage when I feel lost and afraid. Being on this journey is not easy. There are times where I am overwhelmed with emotion and question my worth, but you’ve inspired me to see my own greatness and use it to empower others. For that, I will be forever grateful.”
- CARLA MANUEL, MANILA—Taking inspiration from the trailblazing suffragette Pura Villanueva, Carla wore an immaculate creation by Russell Villafuerte.
“It felt surreal standing onstage. As a pageant newbie, I’m still learning what looks best suit me, as you can see in these photos. But there’s always something to improve, right? And that is also what I’m here for: growth!”
- MARIA GIGANTE, CEBU—As Reina Mora, the Binibining Cebu Charity 2017 and Binibining Pilipinas 2016 candidate wore a creation by Axel Que, echoing the identity of the designer as a Muslim Filipino.
“To have people come up to me and appreciate the artistry of Axel is a testament to our goal all along… to produce something meaningful, a work of art that expands the idea of what we know to be beautiful, to be relevant and timely. I hope that in some way our collaboration has touched, pleased or provoked you to contemplate what it means to be an exceptionally empowered Filipino.”
- ASHLEY SUBIJANO MONTENEGRO, MAKATI CITY—Designer Ole’ Morabe paid tribute to the Blessed Mother in his creation for Ashley, whose mother is the iconic Caroline Subijano, Miss World 1994 Top 10. As a legacy, Ashley is the Girl to Beat this year.
“In my experience so far, I don’t think there is anything that could have prepared for me the pressure that’s been placed upon me these past few months. But I try to take it as a blessing and embrace it. Sometimes people put me on a pedestal, sometimes they put me down. Regardless, I’m still the same as any other person in pursuit of their goals; the only difference is that more people happen to be paying attention this time.”