Miss Grand Philippines 2023 Official Candidates (Facebook)

Pageant fans have witnessed the roster of young and stunning candidates who will compete for the title of Miss Grand Philippines 2023.

Representing major cities across the country, this year's official candidates are Herlene Budol (Angono, Rizal), Imogene Balles (Baguio City), Michelle Arceo (Bagumbayan, Quezon City), Marinella Catangay (Bohol), Nikki de Moura (Cagayan de Oro City), Shanon Tampon (Caloocan City), Charie Manalo Sergio (Caluya, Antique), Estephanie Delgado (Cavite), Laica Eupeña (General Santos City), Wilsie Perez (Laguna), Zyra Mae Carbonell (La Union).

Bernadine Ambry Nicolas (Marikina City), Carla Tobias (Naga, Camarines Sur), Maria Gail Tobes (Northern Samar), Aeroz Ganiban (Nueva Ecija), Gabrielle Basan Runnstrom (Occidental Mindoro), Dynara Maurer (Pampanga), Rona Lalaine Lopez (Pangasinan), Leorenjen Gonzaga (Paranaque City, Resalina Toledo (Pasay City), Camilla Ricarto (Rizal Province), Arine Ejercito Tan (San Juan), Bernadette Fajardo (San Leonardo, Nueva Ecija)

Ejay Vergara (Sarangani Province), Queen Mongcupa (Socorro, Quezon City), Dianne Pampura (Sultan Kudarat), Jirah Shammeh Bantas (Tantangan, South Cotabato), Francine Reyes (Tarlac), Catherine Camilon (Tuy, Batangas), Faith Heterick (Urdaneta City).

The press presentation was held at the Crowne Plaza Manila Galleria on June 20, where the candidates were also given their official sash representing their city.

Before the grand coronation, the candidates will participate in various pre-pageant activities, including the swimsuit competition to be held at the Aqua Boracay on June 21 to 24 and the Charity Gala at Crowne Plaza Manila Galleria on July 9.

The Miss Grand Philippines 2023 is presented by Aqua Boracay, ArenaPlus, and Ever Bilena, with major sponsors Philippine Airlines, Bench, Bench Body, and Bluewater Day Spa.

Arnold Vegafria, national director of Miss Grand Philippines pageant, shared how excited he is to present the candidates.

"Today, we present to you a new batch of Filipina beauties who embody the ideals of the Miss Grand International Organization and who we feel can wave our flag proudly once more in the global pageant scene."

"We can always choose to embrace positivity in the same way that we accept each other's unique beauty, regardless of our flaws or imperfections. It is this acceptance that enables us to transcend our ego and pride and makes us realize how much more we can accomplish when we choose peace instead of discord and respect instead of prejudice," Arnold said.

Aside from the Miss Grand Philippines title, the competition will also give out the Reina Hispanoamericana Filipina and Miss Philippines Tourism titles.

The members of the press also got the chance to ask the candidates while they were on stage. Joining her second national pageant, Herlene was asked if joining Miss Grand hindered her busy schedule.

"Hindi naman po nakakaabala, actually tinapos ko lang po yung commitment ko po sa Magandang Dilag and until now naka line up naman po yung schedules ko ng maayos," she said.

(It doesn't mix up with my schedule. Actually, I just finished my commitment to Magandang Dilag, and until now, my schedules are lined up correctly)

Reining Miss Grand Philippines 2022, Roberta Tamondong will relinquish her crown during the grand coronation night at the SM Mall of Asia Arena on July 13.