Miss Aviation Philippines 2016 hopefuls

MANILA, Philippines – The official candidates of Miss Aviation Philippines 2016 were introduced at Cineplex Cinema 3 of Edsa Shangri-La Mall in Pasig City.

The annual competition aims “to boost the country’s tourism, inspire the youth to pursue a career in aviation and empower the women in the industry.”

“We are very excited to present another batch of beautiful and smart women in Philippine aviation and tourism sectors this year. Aside from encouraging young people to pursue careers in aviation and tourism, the competition is also a great way to recognize the women’s immense role in the industry. Women in aviation are not merely defined by good looks, they also have the brains and the heart to succeed and shape the future of aviation and aeronautics,” said pageant director Morena Carla Cabrera Quimpo.

This year, 14 candidates will vie for the Miss Aviation Philippines 2016 crown. The ladies come from diverse aviation careers including flight attendants; student pilots; air frame and avionics technicians; and students taking up aviation, tourism and related fields.

The finalists include Maria Gianne Beatrice Itaralde, Catherine Cubinar, Katrine Gabriola, Cherry Rose Fernandez, Zandra Magsino, Katelene Joy Basco, Maricris Aldanese, Carina Aguinaldo, Airish Mae Apostol, Justine Anne Embate, Casey Ann Austria, Kristine Malicsi, Trizia Abaya and Reichelieu Emory Santos.

 “We hope that the competition will help Filipinos better appreciate the aviation industry and understand its important role in fostering the country’s social and economic development,” said Philippine International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta (PIHABF) event director Capt. Joy Roa.

Miss Aviation Philippines 2016 grand coronation night will be on Feb. 9 at the Peninsula Manila. Two runners-up will receive cash prizes worth P20,000 and P10,000. The winner will take home P70,000 in cash plus one round-trip ticket to any destination in Southeast Asia. She will also grace the 20th PIHABF at the Clark Freeport Zone in Pampanga.

Miss Aviation Philippines 2016 is supported by Philippine International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta (PIHABF), Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP), Civil Aeronautics Board of the Philippines (CABP) and Clark International Airport (CIA).  — VER PAULINO