SIX women, including three from the Philippines, were crowned as “Noble Queens” at the 5th edition of Noble Queen Universe Ltd. (NQULI) awarding ceremonies held at Novotel Hotel in Quezon City last Tuesday.
Sophia Quintanar Mara, representing the Visayas, Philippines, was crowned as Noble Queen Universe 2023, succeeding former actress and mayor of Tacloban City Cristina Gonzalez Romualdez, who was bestowed the title last year in ceremonies held in Tokyo, Japan.
Sophia is the president of Rotary Club of Quezon City MediaTech District 3780 which utilizes cutting-edge media technology for the Filipino communities which they help by way of outreach medical missions and webinars for media technology education.
Sophia stated during their press presentation that her unwavering focus if chosen as Noble Queen Universe is “my advocacy for accessible education for all and sustainable livelihood.”
Crowned as Noble Queen International 2023 was Sara Rockyasl-Chua Hay, representing the Middle East, a certified yoga instructor and business intelligence development head.
The Noble Queen Globe title went to Princess Margaret Olarte, representing Luzon, Philippines, a member of the Rotary Club of Sta. Rosa City, Laguna.
Bestowed the Noble Queen Earth title was Janina Lorelei, a Romanian actress, classical-crossover mezzo-soprano, and public speaker who now calls the Philippines her home.
Crowned as Noble Queen Tourism was Mabel Vitor Manabat, an entrepreneur who represented Mindanao, Philippines.
Runner-up was Shalona McFarland, representing the USA, a chiropractor and belly dancer.
The six winners paraded on stage before a panel of judges in three segments: native costumes, active sports wear and evening gowns.
The panel of judges included Dr. Rob Walcher of Rob Walcher Chiropractic & Wellness Center, beauty queen-philanthropist Dr. Riza Oben Dormiendo, Dr. Iris Templora of Templora Dermatologica and gym owner Dennyz Say.
Another highlight of the event was the crowning and awarding of actress Ara Mina aka Hazel Reyes-Almiranez as Noble Celebrity Queen. She has been helping children with birth defects through her own NGO, the Ara Mina Foundation, which she founded in 2007, inspired by her younger sister who has Down syndrome.
Several other women who excel in their professions and beyond to become inspiration and of service to the community were also awarded “Noble” titles.
Founded by banker Eren Antonio Noche, the Noble Queen Universe Ltd. has been honoring women who possess the distinct combination of noble traits traditionally associated with royalty (such as dignity, honor, and compassion) and the modern concept of being a strong, independent woman who positively impacts those around her.
Actress Patricia Javier, who was the first Noble Queen Universe titleholder in 2019, is now the organization’s international director.
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Pageant Watch sends Mutya ng Pilipinas Intercontinental Iona Violeta Gibbs the best of luck as she competes against 60 other women across the continents at the 51st Miss Intercontinental world finale to be held at Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt tonight. The Filipino-Canadian student of De La Salle University is aiming to become the country’s third Miss Intercontinental titleholder after Karen Gallman in 2018 and Cindy Obeñita in 2021.
