A Filipino-American teacher and model from New York City was named “Darling of the Press” during kick-off ceremonies for the Miss Global Philippines 2016 beauty pageant held at the Fisher Mall in Quezon City last Tuesday.
Janelle Olafson, 26, was voted by members of media who attended the press presentation for the only beauty pageant that caters to single women and single mothers.
“I was a teacher in New York and I always tell my students to follow their dreams,” said Olafson, of Mandaluyong City.
Olafson, who stands 5 1/2, loves training Martial Arts like Jujitsu and Muay Thai. She is also into dancing ballet, jazz and hip-hop.
Tied in second place for the same special award were Danica Ebrada, of Batangas and Clarize Angelica Barrameda, of Caloocan City.
“We are now on our third year and we have been successfully gathering remarkable women to represent our country in the international stage, said Pauline Laping, Miss Global Philippines CEO and National Pageant Director.
This year’s 23 official candidates are: Jane Flodine Espiritu, Nahida Shohaibar, Virginia Marie Alcantara, Danica Ebrada, Joyce Ann Pakingking, Marcia Nicole Bautista, Eliza Johanna Cruz, Joyce Mandanas, Kimberly Denise Isla, Christine Hortsmann, Kristine Joy Cruz, Anne Krishia Antonio;
Abigail Faith Cawili, April Soliven, Sammie Anne Legaspi, Karina Ray Dabu, Joanna Marie Lee, Kayla Fajardo, Camille Hirro, Clarize Angelica Barrameda, Janelle Olafson, Princess Marie Garcia, and Perlyn Ocampo, the lone single mother in the batch.
Laping said that the grand coronation night will be held at the Resorts World Manila in Pasay City on June 4. Later, the winner represent the Philippines in the international edition of Miss Global 2016 which will be staged at the Philippine International Convention Center in Pasay City on Sept. 3, at 7:30 p.m.
Mary Candice Ramos is the reigning Miss Global Philippines. She placed 4th runner-up in Miss Global held in the Philippines in 2015.