It was a “solid north” vote in the realm of beauty as the winners of Manila Broadcasting Company’s search for 2022 Aliwan Fiesta Digital Queen (AFDQ) were awarded in a virtual programme broadcast nationwide over the network’s social media platforms last Saturday night.
Marikit Manaois of Baguio, a 25-year-old human resource development graduate of St Louis University, who now works for a solid waste management company, clinched the crown by a narrow margin over Maica Martinez of Nueva Ecija and Sophia Noreen Guillermo of Ilocos Norte, who were named first and second runners-up, respectively. Manaois was also named Miss Charm and likewise won the Palmolive Gandang Natural Award, while Martinez, a broadcast communication graduate of the University of the Philippines, romped off with awards for Netizens’ Choice, Best in Talent, Miss White Rose Papaya, Best Digital Video Production and the Pride of Place citation for having showcased the plight of rice farmers in her home province.
Twelve candidates took part in the finals of the 2022 AFDQ search, which featured weekly competition legs among the ladies, who all batted for their respected advocacies, proving they could be effective spokespersons and social exemplars by harnessing the power of digital media. Jackelaine Fleming of Cebu was named Best in Evening Gown, while Nikki Shannen Ortega of Davao took home the award for Miss Unique Smile.
Comprising this year’s jury were Deo Macalma of DZRH, Tristan Harvey Francisco of The Philippine Pageantry, 2021 Miss Aura International Alexandra Faith Garcia, actress Ana Abad Santos, Allen Yotoko of ACS Media Agency, and Edzel Ty of Tanduay.