A FIL-AM incoming freshman at De La Salle University was crowned last Friday in a glittering beauty pageant held at the Manila Metropolitan Theater in Ermita, Manila.
Miss Malate Gabrielle Marie Banol Lantzer, 18, daughter of American Donald Lantzer and Filipina Lovella Banol, from Hawaii, bested 19 other contestants from all over the city to win the coveted crown along with P1 million in cash, the biggest prize ever awarded in a local beauty competition.
Lantzer was crowned and awarded by Manila Mayor Honey Lacuna and Vice Mayor Yul Servo .
Miss Paco Michele Angela Okol was crowned as Miss Manila Tourism while Miss Sta. Mesa Anne de Mesa was named Miss Manila Charity.
Completing the top 5 were: Miss Pureza (Sta. Mesa) Karen Nicole Piccio, first runner-up; and Miss Roxas Boulevard Francine Tajanlangit, second runner-up.
When asked during the final Q&A what tagline or slogan would she suggest to promote the city which is celebrating Araw Ng Maynila (June 24) on its 452nd founding anniversary, Gabrielle replied: “I think the tagline or slogan that should be used for Araw Ng Maynila is “The Day of Change” because the city has gone through so much change and transformation throughout its time and the slogan would showcase and truly represent everything that it is today – the great City of Manila.”
The 5’8 beauty also took home 3 special awards: Miss Villa Medica Manila, Best in Swimsuit and Best in Evening Gown (in an elegant evening dress created by Jhong Sudlon of JS A Touch of Class).
Lantzer, an only child, was born in Hawaii and moved to the Philippines 5 years ago and schooled at Southville International School. A fresh Grade 12 graduate, she enrolled in De La Salle University where she will take up a course in Bio Chemistry. She eventually plans to pursue a degree in Medicine.
Lantzer said she will use part of her cash prize to pay for her tuition at De La Salle University.
The all-women panel of judges was headed by Miss Universe 1969 Gloria Diaz; Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray and actor Rayver Cruz hosted the show.
