By ROBERT R. REQUINTINA
Sixteen empowered married women who will vie for the inaugural Mrs. Worldwide Philippines 2018 contest were presented to the media during a presentation held in Makati City recently.
The 16 official candidates are Ariane Barsana, Cristina Mesina, Hanna Minagawa Lausa, Kristin Margorie Dumag, Ma. Ervick Bermudez, Marianne Bitara, Mary Ann Felix, Myra Joy Navora, Mary Kimberly Cagape, Michelle V. Encarnacion, Princess Quilataon, Adrienne Martinez, Maureen Dizon, Robelyn Maddela, Jea-Ann Santiago, and Abigail Rabie.
“Mrs. Worldwide Philippines is aiming to mold empowered married women to see themselves not only as a responsible housewife but more than that, they can be influences go their fellow married women by moving out of the box and going out beyond their capacities and capabilities,” said Frederick B. Padrilan, national director.
The top four winners of the pageant will compete in various pageants abroad.
At the press presentation, Jea-Ann Santiago was named Darling of the Press as chosen by media men who covered the event. Michelle Encarnacion was first runner-up; while Abigail Rabie, 2nd runner-up.
Padrilan also encouraged fans to support their favorite candidate by casting their vote. The voting will end on May 8, 2018 at 12 p.m. The winner in the fan vote will receive the People’s Choice Award and the top 3 winners in the fan vote will advance to the finals.
Proceeds of the pageant will be given to the Aruga-Kapatid Foundation, Inc. (Home for the Aged), a charity being supported by the Mrs. Worldwide Philippines contest.
The foundation was established for the care of the sick and the aged natives of Calapan, Mindoro. The same foundation was proposed and stared by Fr Cris G. Raymundo, who is the assigned Director of the Diocesan Commission on Health Care of the Apostolic Vicariate of Calapan, Mindoro.
Padrilan said that the Mrs. Worldwide Philippines was created through the success of Miss Lumiere International World 2017.
In October, the Philippines sent Sammie Anne Legaspi to represent the country at Miss Lumiere International World 2017, which was franchised by Padrilan.
Legaspi finished first runner-up in the international pageant held in Malaysia. It was then that Lumiere International Pte entrusted the pageant brand organization to Padrilan.
