Aqua's Magic 8 MUPH winners with Aqua Boracay CEO Tony Co and wife Carol

BORACAY, Aklan - For the second straight year, AQUA Boracay hosted the Miss Universe Philippines candidates and became the venue for the 2023 swimsuit presentation.  The resort's world-class swimming pool designed by Lor Calma became the runway for the 37 lovely ladies last April 13 as they sashayed in their bikinis from SV Merch.

At the end of the night, eight of the candidates were named to Aqua's Magic 8 and one of them will be declared Miss Aqua Boracay Universe during the coronation night on May 13 at the SM MOA Arena.

The eight Aqua beauties are Michelle Dee of Makati, Samantha Panlilio of Cavite, Pauline Amelinckx of Bohol, Clare Dacanay of Paranaque, Christine Juliane "CJ"  Opiaza of Zambales, Angelique Manto of Pampanga, Krishnah Gravidez of Baguio and Jannarie Zarzoso of Agusan Del Norte.

MUPH candidates at the clean-up drive in Bulabog Beach, also known as the better side of Boracay

What is significant is how this selection will give one a good idea of who will make it to the final cut on coronation day.

"Last year, the top 5 in the Miss Universe Philippines finals were all Aqua angels and  Miss Aqua Boracay - Celeste Cortesi - eventually became the winner. We have a very good batting average and  I'd like to believe that the choice we make is spot on," Aqua's PR and marketing consultant Frank Briones pointed out.

Miss Aqua Boracay Universe will win an all-expense paid trip for two and enjoy the amenities of  Aqua's ultra-luxurious  penthouse suite "which is all of 656 square meters and the biggest in the island," said Briones. The winner will also enjoy a private helicopter tour around Boracay via Aqua Air."

Aqua PR consultant Frank Briones with MUPH director of charity, Rep. Sam Verzosa

During the same event dubbed "Under The Rising Moon Party," five candidates were named winners of the Women of Titan by another Miss Universe Philippines  sponsor Titan Watch. They are Emmanuelle Vera of Cebu Province, Krishnah Gravidez of Baguio, Michelle Dee of Makati, Pauline Amelinckx of Bohol and Samantha Panlilio of Cavite.

The five winners of Women of Titan

COMMUNITY OUTREACH

The visit of the MUPH candidates is different this year as the ladies immersed themselves in community activities. Aqua Boracay CEO Antonio Co stated that this was all in line with their shared vision of "empowering transformative leaders."

Aqua Boracay's scenic swimming pool was the venue of the MUPH swimsuit pressntation

"It was no question that we continue our partnership for the second time. We believe that with AQUA Boracay and Miss Universe Philippines coming together to shed light on important causes close to our institutions, we know that we can make an even greaterdifference and impact together,” stated Mr. Co.

Upon arrival, the candidates immediately got busy preparing for the Bulabog Beach Clean-Up and a Feeding Program for residents of ATI Community Village in Manok Manok, Boracay. The ATI are descendants of the first inhabitants of the country.

After the community outreach, the  ladies spent time at the gym and pampering themselves at the resort's  Mist spa  for a much-needed rejuvenation. From breakfast to dinner, they enjoyed the culinary delights of AQUA's two premier restaurants, Qtchn and Sea.Food by Chele.

Miss Universe Philippines candidates all glammed up after the swimsuit presentation

Krishna, or Miss Baguio, revealed that it's her first time to be in Boracay. " It's a privilege to stay in a luxurious hotel like this. The first thing that struck my mind is the coziness of Aqua, and I love the pool."

Miss Bohol, Pauline, remarked: " This is my fourth time in Aqua. I have many beautiful memories here with important people in my life. What I love is that the rooms are so spacious and they feel so homey. It's like a home away from your home when you're out relaxing and taking a break."