THE inaugural Miss Philippine Islands beauty pageant was launched in Quezon City, claiming that it is the only transparent national beauty contest in terms of cash prizes.
“What makes Miss Philippine Islands as an exceptional beauty pageant and certainly different from other existing national pageants? First, we will hand over the cash prizes to the lucky winners right after their names are called,” said Eric Arevalo, president of Miss Philippine Islands beauty contest, during press presentation held at Torre Venezia in Quezon City last Saturday afternoon.
Arevalo added: “No down payment for the cash prizes as what many of the national pageants do. The girls deserve the prizes right away for their hard work. Para sa kanila ‘yun so dapat ibigay agad.”
In most cases, pageant winners in the country usually get their cash prizes on installment basis and would only be completed at the end of their reign.
True to his words, Arevalo said that the winners of Miss Talent and Darling of the Press and their runners-up have already received their cash prizes moments after the presentation.
Lyra Abutin of San Pedro was named Miss Talent. First runner-up honors went to Lyka Mae Camino of Guimaras and Nicole Ruiz of Sta. Rosa, Laguna, 2nd runner-up.
Darling of the Press award went to Sammie Anne Legaspi of Ilocos Sur; Joymayanne Barcoma, Tarlac City, 1st runner-up and Roselle Alberto, Dasmariñas City, 2nd runner-up.
This is also the first time in recent years that a national pageant awarded cash prizes to the winners of special awards.
The inaugural winners of the Miss Island Philippines will represent the country in competitions abroad namely Miss Glory of Universe in India, Miss World Bikini Model International in India, and Miss Lumiere International in Singapore.
“The Miss Philippine Islands contest gathers all empowered women to influence our youth as they become agents to promote their local destinations,” said Arevalo.
Thirty candidates are competing for three titles at the Miss Island Philippines 2017 beauty pageant. Presented by Mediascapes Inc. the grand coronation of the Miss Island Philippines pageant will be held in October.
