After a long, five-year hiatus, Miss Asia Pacific International returns to the world stage with no less than Manila, Philippines, as the venue for all its activities, including the Grand Coronation Night, which will be held at the Newport Performing Arts Theater on Sunday, Oct. 7.

On Oct. 1, 33 lovely candidates representing their respective countries were presented to the media at Lanson Place Mall of Asia, where they sashayed in eye-catching swimsuits designed by Sony Boy Mindo and stylish shoes from MariQueen PH.

The Press Presentation marked the first official public appearance of the international beauties who embody the prestigious pageant's advocacy of "Beauty In Diversity" and this year's theme of #CelebrateEveryHue.

"This year, we are honored to showcase an extraordinary group of young women who represent the vibrant diversity of their respective countries. Each contestant comes not only with grace and talent but also with profound commitment to serve their country and to represent their respective cultures. They are here to share their dreams, aspirations, and causes they passionately advocate for," stressed MAPI president and beauty queen Eva Patalinjug-Lim.

"As we embark on this exciting journey, let us remember that Miss Asia Pacific International is more than just a pageant. It is a platform for inspiring positive transformation and fostering understanding among cultures," she added.

During the presentation, the media present unanimously voted to give the "Darling of the Press" award to New Zealand's Katharina Weischede. The Philippines' Blessa Ericha Figueroa was chosen as the first runner-up, while Sweden's Wanja Olsson, another half-Filipina, was chosen as the second runner-up.

The "Darling of the Press," who is half-Filipina, said after her awarding: " I'm not just representing me or my country. I'm representing a dream. And the mission of Miss Asia Pacific International which is one that celebrates beauty and diversity. Because each of us, no matter what we look like, whether we have different views or interests, are all beautiful and that's something that we bring to the table."

Official media partners also chose their favorite candidates:

Miss OPMB Worldwide - Miss New Zealand, Katharina Weischede

Miss Missosology - Miss USA, Janelis Leyba

Miss Pageanthology 101 - Miss Peru, Maria Fernanda Colchada Medina

Miss Eventologie - Miss Thailand, Kanyaphatsaphon Rungrueang  

The excitement continues on Oct. 3 with the preliminaries featuring the National Costume, Swimsuit, and Evening Gown competitions. The culmination will be the grand finals, where the new Miss Asia Pacific International 2024 will be crowned, along with four runners-up.

Here is the complete list of candidates:

1. Breanna Mitchell (Australia)
2. Tasin Afrin Diana (Bangladesh)
3.Selena Ali (Belgium)
4.Gabriela de Paiva Padilla (Bolivia)
5. Mya Bao (Canada)
6. Valeria Fernanda Gonzales Loyola (Chile)
7.Luisa Valentina Munoz Ruiz (Colombia)
8. Julie Goye Dogan (France)
9. Jennifer Prokop (Germany)
10. Rosie Minako (Great Britain)
11. Keshia Lee Llarenas (Guam)
12. Mercedes Pair (Hong Kong)
13. Sophiya Singh (India)
14.Dessy Rahelia Siagan (Indonesia)
15. Mohana Tsuda (Japan)
16. Hayoung Cho (Korea)
17. Carol Hor Eau Lye (Malaysia)
18. Karen Sofia Nunez (Mexico)
19. Merel Van Roon (Netherlands)
20. Katharina Weischede (New Zealand)
21. Chizuruoke Sufficient Arua (Nigeria)
22. Maria Fernanda Colchada Medina (Peru
23. Blessa Ericha Figueroa (Philippines)
24. Valeriia Volkova (Russia)
25. Alethea Hui Xuan Yee (Singapore)
26. Wanja Jennifer Grace Olsson (Sweden)
27. Mei-Jou Chen (Taiwan)
28. Kanyaphatsaphon Rungrueang (Thailand)
29. Kayla Tupou (Tonga)
30. Janelis Leyba (USA)
31. Maria Sanchez Paez (Venezuela)
32. Anh Vuong Pham Thi (Vietnam
33. Precious Soko (Zambia)