Island beauties

“Beauty is how you feel inside, and it reflects in your eyes.

It is not something physical.” — Sophia Loren

The summer heat was at a fever pitch recently when a veritable bevy of beauties competed for the Miss Island Philippines Pageant. Coinciding with the opening of Asia’s Gaming and Entertainment (Asia’s GEM) plus Leisure Expo at the SMX Convention Center, the pageant pitted the prettiest faces and most talented ladies for a chance to represent the country in international tilts such as Miss Tourism Pageant in Malaysia and Miss Bikini of the World in Venezuela.

Leading the event was Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp.’s (PAGCOR) chairman and CEO Efraim Genuino and COO and past Rotary Gov. Butch Francisco, who after an arduous judging process, crowned Miss Island Philippines-Bikini of the World AJ Surjani, Miss Island Philippines Tourism International Karen May Manalo, first runner-up Natalie Alvia, second runner-up Kristalyn Engle and third runner-up Atheena Kirie Taccad as the winners.

Cheers and congratulations!

Greetings

Advance birthday greetings to artist Anita Magsaysay-Ho, George Sison, Beth Day-Romulo, Enrique “Iking” Araneta, journalist Llita Logarta and Ping Valencia, May 26; Marissa Concepcion, Marissa Araneta and Exequiel Garcia, May 27; Guilly Rufino, Archie Lacson and Mark Dayrit, May 28; Ali Sotto-Bsaies, Celia Diaz-Laurel and Inno Sotto, May 29; Glenda Baretto, Jerry Barican and Mary Jane Ortega, May 30; Budji Layug, May 31.

So, how was your week?

(For comments or inquiries, please e-mail me at jjlitton@indanet.com)