Manila Mayor Honey Lacuna-Pangan told the official candidates of Miss Manila 2024 to show what true Manileñas are with their beauty and intelligence during a press conference at Manila City Hall on Friday, May 24.
During the event, the official sashing and contract signing were conducted, as Lacuna-Pangan introduced the 24 final candidates representing the city's districts.
“For the few who are chosen, be proud when you wear them (sashes), for they symbolize not only beauty but also resilience, as you have already hurdled one major chapter and are about to go through another test of endurance,” Lacuna-Pangan said.
Some of the chosen candidates are college students, licensed psychometricians, part-time models, hosts, medical doctors, and others who have the same goal, which is to show who and what Manileñas truly are.
"This is your shining moment, and when you walk up to the stage, make sure you shine the brightest. Slay them with your beauty and charm, and make sure they are rejuvenated by your grace and intelligence,” the mayor added.
Department of Tourism, Culture, and Arts of Manila (DTCAM) chief Charlie Dungo said that all candidates are truly beautiful.
“Labanan ‘to ng utak. Lahat sila ay pare-parehong magaganda, wala kang itatapon kaya utak na ang [magiging] labanan dito (The pageant is going to be a battle of the brain. They're all equally beautiful, and none of them are waste, so this is really going to be a battle of their intelligence),” he said.
The following are the 24 official Miss Manila candidates representing the city's districts:
- Trina Martinez - Abad Santos
- Victoria Isabela Bobier - Arlegui
- Mikaela Rachele Orense - Arroceros
- Lienel Navidad - Dagupan Ext.
- Dindi Dianne Gibaga - Don Bosco
- Jubilee Therese Acosta - España
- Jeriza Uy - Gagalangin
- Shefally Daime Valencia - Gastambide
- Mary Angela Lim - Labores
- Sandra Moustafa - Legarda
- Sunshine Gabuat - Malate
- Leean Jame Santos - Manuguit
- Trisha Rosales - Morayta
- Imee Soyangco - New Panaderos
- Sofia Nina Cornejo - Otis
- Charyzah Esparrago - Old Sta. Mesa
- Jasmine Paguio - Paco
- Estephanie Ladignon - Pandacan
- Ednalyn Gunio - Quiapo
- Christine Banzon - Sampaloc
- Amanda-Kay Rhodes - San Andres
- Xena Ramos - Sta. Ana
- Aliya Rohilla - Sta. Cruz
- Daniella Mazen Moustafa - Tayuman
The local government and the DTCAM said that the candidates are those who passed the online and face-to-face screenings from April to May.
The candidates impressed the panel of screeners, including the 2nd Runner-Up of Reina Hispanoamericana 2023, Michelle Arceo; Gerry Diaz of Aces and Queens; Rodgil Flores of Kagandahang Flores; Tita Lavinia of Titas of Pageantry; and Charlie Dungo of DTCAM.
It added that the Cream Silk Hair Care Institute and Bb. Pilipinas Universe 2002 Karen Agustin-Ostrea, who gave a talk on personality development, also helped in finding the right candidates.
Meanwhile, after the sashing ceremony, candidates will undergo rigorous training on personality development, pasarela (the runway walk), and question-and-answer mentoring to prepare them for the coronation night.
Lacuna-Pangan announced that the coronation night will be held on June 22 at the Metropolitan Theater in Ermita, Manila. It will be hosted by Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray, with special performances from surprise guests.
Miss Manila is a project of the City of Manila, the DTCAM, and KreativDen Entertainment, which aims to search for a beacon of empowerment and leadership and one who can contribute to the lives of her fellow Manileños, believing that empowered women empower women.