TWO Filipino mothers became pride of the Philippines after they bagged crowns in the Mrs. Asia International 2016 beauty pageant held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia recently.
Vivian Yano, 51, was crowned Classic Mrs. Asia International 2016 Cosmopolitan 2016 while Riza Asa, 54, won Classic Mrs. Asia International 2016 Tourism.
“To win a crown is a gift. But to win two crowns in one pageant is really a blessing,” said Ovette Ricalde, franchise director for Mrs. Asia International Philippines pageant, during a victory press conference held at the Luxent Hotel in Quezon City.
Yano is a businesswoman who manages a trading company involved in financing and lending, real property, trucking and skin care services. She said that she spends most of her time in Japan with her 17-year-old daughter Akie.
“This is a great honor and opportunity to carry the flag of the country at the Mrs. Asia International Pageant,” said Yano, who was also a recipient of special recognition such as Ambassador’s Award and Popularity Queen.
“I want to thank my family and friends. But most of all, I will miss fashion designer Goulee Gorospe who passed away recently. He was the first one who convinced me to try modelling when I was younger. I want to offer my victory to him wherever he is,” said Yano.
On the other hand, Asa received special awards such as Goodwill Ambassador, Most Beautiful Body and Top 3 Best in Talent.
Asa vowed to use her crown in promoting tourism here and abroad.
“I love to travel and so I will promote abroad our wonderful destinations here in the Philippines,” she said.
Asa said that she will do more charity work as her way of giving back for all the blessings in life. She is now based in Oregon, USA where she has a nursing home business. (Robert R. Requintina)