MANILA, Philippines — Miss CosmoWorld Philippines, the pageant that allows its delegates to gain financial independence through financial literacy, has formally launched its national competition through a press conference at the House Manila in Newport World Resorts in Pasay City.
"This pageant system aims to empower women through entrepreneurship. In return, they contribute to society. We've partnered with people and brands that share the same vision like us," said Meiji Cruz, reigning Miss CosmoWorld 2022 and license holder for the Philippine franchise.
With her during the media event were national director Rodgil Flores, Newport Resort's director of communication Joee Guillas and Atty. Adel Reyes. The girls gamely answered the questions thrown at them during the open forum after sashaying before media attendees in identical black-and-gold bikinis from Jomar Peralta and the House of Victoria.
Here are the official candidates of Miss CosmoWorld Philippines 2023:
- Alia Rohilla - Albay
- Amanda Kaye Rhodes - Makati City
- Angelli Mae Garcia - Mandaue City
- Anis Fatima Azees - Ilocos Sur
- CJ Cuaresma - Aurora
- Elda Louise Aznar - Davao del Sur
- Gezza Ilagan Avila - Quezon Province
- Jasmine Omay - Carrascal, Surigao del Sur
- Lara Melisa Gaffud - Santiago, Ilocos Sur
- Larsine Grace Jensen - Candijay, Bohol
- Liane Elizabeth Duque - Laguna
- Lienel Peña Navidad - Albay
- Maribelle Manalili - Zambales
- Mary Josephine Paaske - Cordoba, Cebu
- Rian Macklyn Dela Cruz - Malolos, Bulacan
- Roella Frias - Calumpit, Bulacan
- Samantha Dana Bug-os - Caluya, Antique
- Sheryl Velez - Mandaluyong City
- Thañamae Rojas Cahilig - Cebu Province
- Valerie Mae Guillermo - Tarlac Province
- Vivian Vargas Hernandez - Quezon City
At the close of the afternoon event, Vivian Vargas Hernandez of Quezon City was named Miss Cosmic Beauty after being chosen by members of the media. The two other media favorites were Elda Louise Aznar of Davao del Sur and CJ Cuaresma of Aurora.
Cruz will crown the country's first national pageant winner, who gets to take home P1 million in cash prize. The Swimwear Prelims will take place in Bataan in mid-September while the final show will unfold in mid-October. Stay tuned!
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