MANILA, Philippines - Cindy Pacia Madduma (photo), 27, a registered nurse from Palawan State University in Puerto Princesa City, was crowned 2015 Miss Scuba International last Friday night, Nov. 27, at the Sutera Harbour Resort in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia. Cindy was also named Miss Marine Conservation and Best in National Costume. Her gold Muslim Princess-inspired ensemble was created by Edwin Uy and the headdress by Patrick Isorena. During the Talent portion, she created a landscape painting of the Underground River.
Cindy defeated 17 other contestants, all licensed scuba divers, including runners-up Miss Venezuela Kiara Aiello, first (also Miss Congeniality) and Miss USA Tessa Ptacek, second and two finalists Miss Latvia Ilze Jankovska (also Miss Photogenic and Miss Talent) and Miss United Kingdom Sarah Winterbottom.
Cindy won 2014 Miss Global Philippines — Tourism Ambassador and was selected by national director Gareth Blanco to represent our country in the 2014 Miss Tourism World in Barquisimeto, Lara, Venezuela where she bagged the Best in Evening Gown award.
Now on its fifth year, the unique pageant focuses on marine and ocean conservation and promotes safe scuba diving practices. With Saving Oceans through Beauty as its mission, the pageant was founded by Robert Lo, a believer in sustainable development within the realms of our marine environment.