FIVE beauties who will represent the country in various international pageants were crowned during the first Jewel of the Philippines beauty contest held in Pasig City recently.
Natasha Angela Manuel, 21, of Cebu City was named Jewel of the Philippines 2016. She bested 22 other contestants in the maiden national beauty contest organized by pageant guru John dela Vega.
The accounting technology graduate from San Carlos University will represent the Philippines in the Jewel of the World 2017 which will be held in Manila.
Manuel, who works in one of the established banks in the country, said that she hopes to help empower women and protect the welfare of children during her reign.
“I would like to inspire women and send them a message that beauty is skin deep. It’s something you just don’t see in the mirror. It’s something that you feel with your heart and something that you actually do,” said Manuel who stands 5’8”. (Robert R. Requintina)