Sarangani, Manila, Talisay bets prevail at Hiyas ng Pilipinas 2023

CEBU, Philippines —  Fatima Kate Bisan, a 24-year-old former medical techno-logist, romped off with the main title at this year’s Hiyas ng Pilipinas finals, held November 11 at the Waterfront Cebu City Hotel and Casino, besting 42 other candidates in what is only the second edition of the country’s first Cebu-based national pageant.

Hailing from Malungon, Sarangani Province, Bisan was crowned Miss Tourism World Philippines 2023, which comes with ?1,000,000.00 worth of prizes and the right to represent the country at Miss Tourism World this November.

Currently a volunteer for a PWD (persons with disabilities) organization), pageant followers know of her as a Miss Philippines Earth 2021 runner-up, Miss FIT 2021 first runner-up, and Binibining Pilipinas 2022 finalist.

At Saturday’s coronation, Bisan was also awarded Miss Photogenic and Best in National Costume.

Asked during the final Q&A of a “precious memory” in her entire Hiyas ng Pilipinas experience, Bisan said, “I consider myself as an introvert. I only surround myself with small [sic] people to talk to. But Hiyas ng Pilipinas allowed me to make friends, and that’s the most important thing. Actually, backstage, a lot of girls have been cheering me on and that has boosted my confidence.”

“The lesson learned? It’s important to have a sisterhood because there is empowerment…we rise together. With this, I hope to be a strong testament to the new era of an empowered Filipina.”

Juvyel Anne Saluta of Manila City was named Miss Continental World Philippines 2023 and Best in Swimsuit. The 19-year-old is studying Tourism Management at the Pamantasang Lungsod ng Maynila.

“My core memory that I will forever bring with me was when my fellow candidates suddenly became a seamstress to help me. Those simple moments I will forever treasure,” said Saluta during her turn in the Top 5 Q&A.

“If ever I win tonight, I’ll bring that aspect to my reign. And if I’ll be able to wear the Philippines [sash] across my heart, I’ll show them that warmth and love, and the true Filipina beauty.”

Jackelaine Adarayan Fleming of Talisay City, Cebu was selected Miss Omninational Philippines 2023, making her the country’s delegate for next year’s Miss Omninational to be held in Bali, Indonesia.

“As an only child, I’ve always dreamed of having a sister. And in the past nine days we’ve been going around so many places in Cebu City, but the highlight was when we went to Snow World,” said the 22-year-old vlogger, the only Cebu delegate who made it into the Top 10.

“There was a moment when I sat down and looked around me and I saw that I have sisters – not through blood, but through Hiyas ng Pilipinas. This is something that will be a legacy because it is embedded in my heart, not just now, but for the rest of my life.”

First and second runners-up are Tarah Avenir Limjap of Koronadal City (Innocentrix Philippines Voters Choice awardee), and Vanessa Baraquio of Pangasinan Province.

Other awardees are Trishia Marie Castillo Libres (Bohol Province) as Best in Evening Gown and Top Box Achiever, Suchi Kaye Olavidez Lim (Balayan, Batangas) as Miss Congeniality, and Ronae Jane Tamares (Tuburan, Cebu) as Best Tourism Video.

Judges included Binibining Pilipinas Globe 2022 Chelsea Fernandez, Miss Intercontinental Philippines 2019 Emma Tiglao, Binibining Pilipinas Globe 2019 Leren Mae Bautista, Miss Universe Philippines 2021 second runner-up Steffi Aberasturi-Arcenas, and GMA Network Inc. First VP of Program Management Development.

The only title-holder from last year’s maiden batch that attended and did her farewell walk was Hiyas ng Pilipinas Elite World 2022 Azriel Atira Coloma of Tacloban City, now a Sparkle GMA Artist Center talent using the name AZ Martinez.

Before the grand coronation, finalists travelled to Daanbantayan, north of Cebu for the Swimsuit Competition held at Golden Sands Destination Resort, and then to Toledo City for the Evening Gown and National Costume Preliminaries at the Megadome.

Hiyas ng Pilipinas is led by its Chairman Mike Sordilla, along with National Director Eva Patalinjug, Creative Director Roy Erwin Tizon, Commu-nications Director Ryan Tarosa, Director for Luzon Daniel Manila, Director for Visayas Kenneth Malayka Yamas, and Director for Mindanao Mark Kenjie De La Cruz.