By ROBERT R. REQUINTINA
A FILIPINO-American fashion model who is an advocate of peace and HIV-AIDS awareness was crowned Miss World Philippines 2018 during a televised show held at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City early Monday morning.
Crowd favorite Katarina Rodriguez edged out 39 other candidates for the prestigious title. She will represent the Philippines at the Miss World 2018 beauty contest in Sanya, China on Dec. 8. The Miss World contest is said to be the longest-running pageant in history after it was created in the United Kingdom in 1951.
During the much-awaited question-and-answer portion of the contest, Rodriguez was asked about the belief beauty pageants exploits women and how she would change people’s opinion about it.
She answered: “I’d like to think that one should live by example. And I actually would like to admit that I was one of those before, until I learned more about what beauty pageants are about. One thing I can tell you is that you may think it’s very competitive but it’s not. You understand beauty pageants when you know that it is actually not competitive against other women. It’s actually competitive towards yourself. And in a sense, it’s all about woman empowerment. And you can feel that in this group of girls… each girl knows that we are all individually beautiful.”
Other winners were: Alyssa Muhlach Alvarez, Reina Hispanoamericana Filipinas 2018; Maureen Montagne, Miss Eco Philippines 2018; and Kimi Mugford, Miss Multinational Philippines 2018. Chanel Morales was named First Princess and Pearl Hung, Second Princess.
Winners of special awards were: Chanel Morales, Miss Photogenic; Katarina Rodriguez and Maureen Montagne, Miss Bluewater Spa; Alyssa Muhlach Alvarez, Best Skin by Cathy Valencia Award; Katarina Rodriguez, Miss Cosmo Skin Award; Maureen Montagne, Miss Tanduay: and Chanel Morales and Alyssa Muhlach Alvarez, Miss Erase Placenta.
Born in Orlando, Florida, Rodriguez first rose to prominence when she joined cycle 2 of Asia’s Next Top Model in 2014 and came in second place.
On April 30, 2017, Rodriguez was crowned Bb. Pilipinas Intercontinental. Then in January, she won first runner-up at the 46th Miss Intercontinental beauty pageant held in Egypt.
But Rodriguez believes she still has an unfinished business in pageantry so she decided to join Miss World Philippines.
“My mantra word for #MWP2018 is what I learned in Egypt – MERAKI, to do all things with soul, creativity and passion; to put all of yourself into something. I’ve put all of my heart and soul into #MWP2018 so far and for the first time in a long time, I am happy because of something that I have done for me,” says Rodriguez.
Rodriguez says she offers her latest victory in the pageant to the Philippines.
“My heart cannot be fuller than tonight, to walk the stage again for all of our nation, competing to wear the Philippine sash over my heart one more time – and this time for the WORLD;
“I know this country like the back of my hand. The history, the people, and the greatness. The last few months I have given all of myself and all of my time for this night;
“I have nothing in my heart but love for you, Philippines. Tonight is dedicated for you and for God. Thank you all for making me the woman I am today, thank you for believing in me and giving me this one more chance,” adds Rodriguez.
