An overseas Filipino worker was crowned Miss Philippines Tourism Queen International during a press presentation held at the Sulo Riviera Hotel in Quezon City recently.
Miss Philippines Foundation, Inc. president Francisco Z. Blanco Jr. proclaimed that Darlene May Panopio Reyes of Bauan, Batangas will represent the country in the international edition of the pageant in China on Sept. 16. She will leave on Sept. 2.
Executive Director Hja. Hanina O. Alrefai and pageant franchise director OvetteRicalde also led the crowning of Reyes.
Reyes works as a marketing executive in Singapore. Earlier, she competed at the Mutya ng Pilipinas 2017 contest and won the Best in Talent award.
Also chosen was Maria Isabel Dumada-ogAlves of Talisay City, Negros Occidental who was voted Darling of the Press.
Forty ladies from around the country are competing in the maiden Miss Philippines 2017 beauty contest. Other titles at stake are: Miss Diamond of the World-Philippines, Miss Princess of the World-Philippines, Miss Face of Beauty International-Philippines, and Miss Queen and Beauty Universe-Philippines.
The coronation of the Reyes was part of the launch of the Miss Philippines 2017 pageant which aims to promote the country’s cultural heritage, Filipino values, diversity and remarkable Filipino destinations.
At the same event, Tourism Assistant Secretary Frederick Alegre lauded local organizers of beauty pageants saying that the government will promote heavily on beauty contests in order to attract more tourists here.
“The Department of Tourism is promoting heavily the beauty of tourism and the beauty of a Filipina,” said Alegre at the launch of Miss Philippines 2017 beauty pageant.