The elegant Manila Hotel served as the fitting venue for the press presentation of Mr. and Ms. Chinatown Global 2025 (MMCG) on Jan. 14.

Twenty male and female contestants of Chinese descent representing seven countries  introduced themselves in the event which was dubbed "Candidates Reveal: The Search for the Next Face of Chinatown."

This is the first year that the MMCG pageant is being held. It is organized by CHiNOY TV and the Federation of Filipino Chinese Association of the Philippines Foundation Inc to celebrate "the rich Chinese heritage and vibrant traditions of the global Chinese diaspora." 

The 20 hopefuls participating in Mr. and Ms. Chinatown Global 2025 from Jan. 12-20 are the following:

Female candidates:

1. Jastine Lim 林青霞 (Philippines)  
2. Chiara Alix Lim 林嘉玲 (Philippines)  
3. Jenina Lui 呂妮娜 (Australia)  
4. Gwyneth Yvonne R. Jao 劉恩蕙 (Philippines)  
5. Juliette Louie 雷莊兒 (Hong Kong)  
6. Zhang Ruoxi 张若熙 (China)  
7. Candice Xiao Liang 梁瀟(USA)  
8. Clarysse Yoke Yee 苏钰贻 (Malaysia)  
9. Rebecca Kwek Jing Yi 郭静颐 (Singapore)  
10. Khryss Nicole J. Go 陳世美 (Philippines)  

Male candidates:

1. Kirby Mark Chen 陈圳兴 (Philippines)  
2. Jeric Bennett Uy Mendoza 張匀鐙 (Philippines)  
3. Aragon Jacob Yu Lor 洪賢榮 (Philippines)  
4. Francis Matthew O. Ngo 吴敦德 (Philippines)  
5. Rafael Jacque Balila 許文達 (Philippines)  
6. Aravinda Rao 文达 (Singapore)  
7. Duan Shiqing 段世庆 (China)  
8. Ethan Tam Ming Hao 谭鸣浩 (Malaysia)  
9. Byron Sng 孙伟伦 (Malaysia)  
10. Joseph Morris (Australia)  

The highlight of the presentation was the announcement of special awards. Aragon Jacob Yu Lor (Philippines) and Juliette Louie (Hong Kong) were honored as Mr. and Ms. The Manila Hotel, respectively. Members of the media voted for the  "Darling of the Press" and the titles were awarded to Aragon Jacob Yu Lor (Philippines) and Jenina Lui (Australia).  

Over the next few days, the contestants will engage in a variety of enriching activities and experiences. On Jan. 15, they will visit Binondo, the world’s oldest Chinatown, and will explore its rich heritage through the area's numerous temples, historical landmarks, and culinary delights.

From Jan. 16 to 18, they will  embark on a trip to the scenic mountain city of Baguio, visiting famous spots like  Burnham Park, Mines View Park, and the Strawberry Farm. The highlight of the visit is a "Culture Night" on January 17, where contestants will don traditional costumes, celebrating Filipino-Chinese traditions. This event is in collaboration with the Association of Baguio Chinese Filipino Youth Inc., The Orchard Hotel Baguio, and Megapines Realty & Development, Inc.  

The culminating activity dubbed "Winners' Night" will take place on Monday, Jan. 20 at Hilton Manila, Newport World Resorts. Crowns crafted  by a leading Hong Kong jewelry manufacturer will be awarded to  the Grand Winner, 1st Runner-Up, and 2nd Runner-Up. The tiaras are said to represent the Confucian values of Harmony (Hé), Loyalty (Zhōng), and Wisdom (Zhì).

The MMCG coronation night will be hosted by Janeena Chan and Nicole Cordoves, with a special performance by Korean Singer, Mr. Kim Won Shik also known as Ravi. 

Ravi is a South Korean rapper, singer, and songwriter, former member of the boy group VIXX, and founder of the record labels Groovl1n and The L1VE. He was honored with the Best Theme Song award at the 29th Asian Television Awards for his performance of "To Be With You," the theme song of the Philippine adaptation of the hit K-drama 'What's Wrong with Secretary Kim.'