Who's deserving of the crown? Fearless forecast for Miss Mandaue '06

More than just pretty faces abound in this year's Miss Mandaue. The pressure heaped on 20 lovely candidates is doubled as whoever among them bags the crown has a lot of proving to do to duplicate if not surpass the feat of the reigning Miss Mandaue - Bb. Pilipinas World Ana Maris Igpit.

Igpit being the bearer of the crown would get the chance to personally choose her successor as she sits as member of the panel of judges tomorrow night at the Mandaue Sports Complex.

After an intense screening, a meeting with the press, a talents night, among others, tomorrow night will culminate this prestigious battle of beauty and wits. But only one will be named most deserving of the crown. Who do you think will make it? After several encounters with the candidates, we spotted 10 young ladies who have shown worthiness of this year's title.

1. Candidate no. 14 Monique Carole de Leon
Age: 16
Height: 5'6
Why we like her: Monique, who speaks a little German, has a beautiful Mestiza face coupled with regal posture, which she maintained even during her tricky song and dance Shakira number during the talent's night. A fresh high school graduate, Monique's downside could be her being a first timer. She has the potential to really stand out, but we feel her inexperience is getting in the way. But then again, many first-timers have secured the title just like reigning Miss Cebu Stephanie Señeres when she was crowned Miss Mandaue in 2003.
One liner on joining the contest: I want to build a new image of a beauty queen.

2. Candidate no. 16 Joan Kirstie Babor
Age: 18
Height: 5'7
Weight: 110 lbs.
Why we like her: The reigning Miss Philippines Fame, Kirstie is blessed with flawless fair skin. This nursing student's winning factor, apart from being a titleholder, is her being a member of the Metrobank Toastmaster's Club, so expect her not to chicken out during the Q&A portion.
She says on who she'd like to meet: " PO1 Adonis Dumpit because I admire his being a fearless man. And despite all criticisms said about him, he still believes on what he stands for He neutralizes bad elements."

3. Candidate no. 20 Isadora Maidee Gonzales
Age: 16
Height: 5'9
Why we like her: Though she still needs to work on her skin, but her being the tallest among the group brings the most promise. She's been quite around the pageant circuit, the most recent of which, the Miss Bohol Sandugo 2005, named her 2nd runner up to Igpit. A native of Poblacion Trinidad Bohol, who also likes to join singing competitions, Maidee has the confidence and communication skills to snatch the crown.
She says on who she'd like to meet: " Miss Universe 2005 Natalie Glebova so I could tell her how much I idolized her and tell her to share life's beauty all over the world."

4. Candidate no. 17 Nicole Schmitz
Age: 17
Height: 5'7
Why we like her: This German-Filipina, who grew up in Australia, could very well join an artista search with her mixed-blood attractiveness. However, we wonder what other surprises can this girl spring on us, after seemingly being all over the place by joining, at least two our knowledge, three pageants in a span of less than three months.
She says on why she wants to win: " to be a voice for the youth."

5. Candidate no. 19 Richelle Therese Borja
Age: 17
Height: 5'7
Weight: 121 lbs.
Why we like her: Richelle, who belongs to a family of beauty queens, makes her debut in pageant circuit via Miss Mandaue. Though she still has to loosen up onstage, her Pinay model looks and figure are also a plus factor with beauty pageants nowadays obviously leaning towards morena beauties.
She says on who she'd like to meet: " Ms. Precious Lara Quigaman, so I could ask tips on how to become an effective and good beauty queen."

6. Candidate no. 13 Maria Victoria Salazar
Age: 20
Height: 5'6 ½
Weight: 101 lbs.
Why we like her: Nicknamed Tonivi, the reigning Miss Minglanilla and Miss Toledo and 1st runner up to Igpit in the Miss Bohol Sandugo '05 has ample pageant experience to thank for her natural calm and poise onstage. Her well-toned body also caught our attention, most especially during the talents night, which was highlighted in a backless, bronze-hued gown.
She says on why she wants to win: "It's what I came to join Miss Mandaue for."

7. Candidate no. 4 Sheina Marie Cubillo
Age: 20
Height: 5'5
Why we like her: Apart from an impressive pageant background, this very outspoken nursing student is also an academic achiever.
She says on the part of the pageant she enjoys most: " coronation night because how the girls maintain grace under pressure can be inspiration to the viewers."

8. Candidate no. 11 Kathy Lyn Atuel
Age: 22
Height: 5'6
Weight: 120 lbs.
Why we like her: This is her second shot at the Miss Mandaue crown, after she joined the pageant last year, made it to the top 10, but faltered in the Q&A portion with nervousness. Apparently, this 2nd year medical student got fighting spirit by joining again this year that it's not hard to cheer her on.
She says on

9. Candidate no. 1 Princess Stephanie Lalwani
Why we like her: A dusky beauty and a fresh face in the pageant circuit.
One liner on the most unusual thing she'd done: Joining a beauty contest.

10. Candidate no. 3 Phoebecates Perez
Age: 19
Height: 5'4
Weight: 95 lbs.
Why we like her: Phoebecates, who was also recently crowned Miss South Pacific, rebounded from her unremarkable presence during a presscon, with a breathtaking ballroom dance number during talents night last Monday.
One liner on who she'd like to meet: If given the chance, I'd like to meet PGMA and talk to her about the problems of the country which I think needed to be prioritized.

– Ryan Mark and Nathalie Tomada