The Miss World Philippines beauty pageant announced on Wednesday, August 15, the 37 official candidates who will compete in the prestigious contest in September.
MISS WORLD PHILIPPINES BEAUTIES --- Bessie Besana (center), Miss World Philippines Organization general manager, is joined by reigning Miss World Philippines title holders during the announcement of the official candidates for this year's pageant. From left: Miss Eco International 2018 Cynthia Thomalla, Miss Multinational Sophia Seneron, Besana, Miss World Philippines 2017 Laura Lehman, and Reina Hispanoamericana 2017 Teresita 'Winwyn' Marquez.
But fashion designer Bessie Besana, general manager of Miss World Philippines Organization (MWPO), says three more candidates will complete the final 40 girls who will join the pageant.
"Please wait for our official announcement," says Besana when asked about the three remaining candidates. He did not say when the official announcement for the three remaining girls will be made.
Reports say that the three remaining girls will come from overseas Filipino communities.
The most popular among this year's official contestants is former Bb. Pilipinas Intercontinental 2017 Katarina Rodriguez. She was first runner-up at the Miss Intercontinental 2017 beauty contest held in Egypt.
The 37 official candidates of the Miss World Philippines 2018 beauty pageant are: Barmae Chua, Erica Larkins, Kylah Sanchez, Alyssa Muhlach, Tamara Caballero, Katarina Rodriguez, Neesha Murjani, Marie Danica Reynes, Crissia Atienza, Jigg Kirsty Ang, Angeline Mae Santos, Arienne Calingo, Kim De Guzman, Maan Marquez, Michelle Oliva, Chanel Morales, Jereleen Rodriguez;
Maria Gail Tobes, Mary Jean Boniao, Rose Murphy, Kat Acaylar, Joemay-an Leo, Pearl Hung, Divine Veranga, Gianna Llanes, Eiffel Rosalita, Angelica Estrevillo, Paulina Labayo, Abbyjun Dizor, Denielle Magno, Angelica Tuzon, Annalita Vizcarra, Elaiza Alzona, Maureen Montagne, Pauline Deveraturda,
Bettina Penales, and KJ Cudiamat.
They will be presented to the media in September, Besana says. The coronation night of the Miss World Philippines 2018 pageant will be held at the Mall of Asia in Pasa City on October 7.
Prior to the announcement of the 37 candidates, there were speculations that popular beauty queens from rival pageant - Bb. Pilipinas contest - were joining the Miss World Philippines 2018 contest.
Among those rumored to join the prestigious national pageant were former Bb. Pilipinas 2017 Globe Nelda Ibe, Bb. Pilipinas Supranational 2016 Joanna Eden and Bb Pilipinas 2014 Supranational Yvette Marie Santiago.
The MWPO is now being managed by Arnold Vegafria, business manager of Senator Manny Pacquiao.
So far, in 67 years, the Philippines has only produced one Miss World won by actress Megan Lynne Young in 2015.