By RONALD CONSTANTINO
IN THE DARK – Of the four world-wide beauty pageants, the Philippines won six Miss International crowns. Yet in a quiz show, no one could say what title Kylie Verzosa won in Tokyo in 2016.
Kylie Verzosa for the information those still in the dark, is the country’s sixth Miss International. She signed a build-up contract with Viva and has appeared in a Star Cinema movie and hosts a segment of PBO on the Viva channel.
Contributor Mel Caparas reports that the Department of Health together with Kylie recently launched the search for the 1st HIV/AIDS Advocacy Ambassadors 2018. Three winners will be crowned – male, female, and transgender – on Sept. 28 at the SMX Convention Center.
FLASHBACK – While at it, Highspeed takes a flashback at the five other Miss International winners, starting with Gemma Cruz, in the mid-‘60s. She is the very first Filipina to win an international title, making the country proud. She donated her prize ($10,000) to the Boys Town.
A cultural advocate and writer former Department of Tourism secretary, she’s the daughter of the late revered writer Chitang Nakpil.
After Gemma came, in order:
Aurora Pijuan, who briefly joined the movies. Nepomuceno Productions was all set to launched her to stardom, but the imposition of Martial Law in 1972 came in the way. She’s the mother of sports newscaster TJ Manotoc.
Melanie Marquez, who became an international model and actress. She’s based in Utah where her husband comes from.
Precious Lara Quigaman, TV-movie actress, married to Marco Alcaraz. They are expecting their second son.
Bea Rose Santiago, commercial-ramp model. In the news recently when she was revealed she had liver ailment due to “overdose” of vitamin and workout.
(The three other major titles are Miss Universe, Miss World, and Miss Earth. More about them next.)