Miss World Philippines 2011 travels to Puerto Princesa

MANILA, Philippines - Miss World Philippines (MWP) and Puerto Princesa City in Palawan have formed a strategic partnership.

Cory Quirino, country di- rector of Miss World Philip- pines and chairperson and CEO of CQ Global Quest Inc., and the Puerto Princesa Tourism Council headed by Mayor Edward Hagedorn vowed to support each other’s under- takings.

Puerto Princesa is the designated official tourist desti- nation for the beauty pageant. From Sept. 7 to 10, the swim- suit competition will be held in the city.

Twenty-five Filipinas from across the archipelago, joined by a number specially cho- sen from Filipino communi- ties around the world, will descend on the capital city of Palawan.

It is no mere coincidence that the “biggest, most beau- tiful and most significant” beauty search in the country will have a pre-pageant com- petition in Puerto Princesa.

 Legend has it that the city was named after a princess-like maiden who would roam the enchanted place on certain nights of the year, beguiling the townsfolk with her other- worldly beauty.

But historically speaking, the city’s name is attributed to Princess Eulalia of Spain, who was born in 1864 to Queen Isabel II and her consort, Dr. Francisco de Asis. The Queen renamed the place to Puer- to de la Princesa. As years passed, it came to be known by its present name.

Puerto Princesa’s lush natural resources and rich flora and fauna offer the per- fect backdrop for the Miss World Philippines contes- tants, whose diverse beauty ranging from the kayumanggi to the mestiza will further enhance the spectacular scenery that the city is celebrated for.

The beauties, steeped in Miss World’s mantra of “beauty with a purpose,” will use their considerable charm to showcase the awesome and majestic Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park (PPSRNP) to help in its ongoing bid to become one of the New Seven Wonders of Nature, among many other activities slated to be done by the MWP in the charming city.

As  the city gains the well-deserved distinction of being a model city — in cleanliness, environmental protection and conservation, and local governance — the MWP aligns itself with such sterling qualities in its ef- forts to find the Filipina who will best represent the coun- try in the global stage.

“Beauty pageants can be a big boost to travel and tour- ism. MWP will create aware- ness for Puerto Princesa as a sanctuary, and the last re- maining city in a forest. It is our commitment to preserv- ing the environment,” says Quirino.

“Apart from Vigan, I con- sider Puerto Princesa as my second home. I am there at least three times a year. It’s my love affair with nature by planting mangroves on Val- entine’s Day. It was meaning- ful — a significant way for me to express love. My dream is to have a weekend home there,” she adds.

Quirino enjoins everyone to support the Puerto Princ- esa Underground River cam- paign. Text PPUR and send to 2861 or log on to http://www. new7wonders.com/28-finalists to vote.