WEARING uniform midnight blue and gold swimsuits from House of Victoria by Jomar Peralta, the twenty-one official candidates of the inaugural Miss CosmoWorld Philippines search were presented to the press last Wednesday at House Manila, Newport Resorts World in Pasay.
Showcasing 21 different faces of empowered Filipinas advocating for financial literacy and independence, the pageant’s main thrust, they wowed the press with their wit and charm, all capable and confident of winning the coveted crown worth P2 million, designed by renowned Bulacan crown maker Manny Halasan and P1 million in cash.
Unlike in other pageants where you have easy picks, the first batch of Miss CosmoWorld Philippines candidates are a pretty mix of pageant veterans and newbies but, as pageant fans observed, “quality” contestants worthy of pulling all resources to put on a grand finals show.
After sessions and activities in financial literacy, poise and social graces, make-up techniques, pasarela training, and communication and confidence conducted by renowned experts, the ladies are now ready for the crucial and more exciting competitions and events leading to the finals and grand coronation night at the Aliw Theater on October 12.
Among this year’s favorites are: Davao del Sur’s Elda Aznar of Davao del Sur; Rian Maclyn Dela Cruz of Malolos, Bulacan; Jasmine Omay of Carrascal, Surigao del Sur; Vivian Vargas Hernandez of Quezon City; Gezza Avila of Quezon Province; and Amanda-Kay Rhodes of Makati City.
At the end of the event, Hernandez was voted as press favorite and was awarded the title “Cosmic Star.” Runners-up were Carmella Joy Cuaresma of Aurora and Aznar.
Gracing the event were members of the pageant’s executive committee composed of Meiji Cruz, chairperson and the reigning Miss CosmoWorld; Rodgil Flores, national director; Joee Guilas, head for communications and Atty. Adel Reyes, legal counsel.
Aside from the bonanza of cash and prizes, the winner of Miss CosmoWorld Philippines 2023 will earn the right to represent the Philippines at the international finals of Miss CosmoWorld and will have the opportunity to replicate Meiji’s feat in Kuala Lumpur last year, winning $100,000 or roughly P25 million.
