SIXTEEN of the 18 contestants for Mrs. Face of Tourism Philippines 2023 were presented to members of media at Winford Hotel and Casino in Sta. Cruz, Manila last Saturday.
The roster of candidates included popular showbiz and pageant personalities Marie Karen Palasigue a.k.a. Sabrina M. who was the Miss Photogenic winner in Mutya ng Pilipinas 1993 (won by Michelle Aldana) before venturing into the movies; Rowena Almocera a.k.a. Alma Soriano l, also of films; and former Binibining Pilipinas World Janina San Miguel Sahota whose amusing answer at the 2008 Binibining Pilipinas finals q & a went viral.
“Mrs. Face of Tourism Philippines will serve as an advocate … in significantly promoting culture and tourism towards the development of the community …,” said Annie S. Refrea, owner of Mrs. Face of Tourism Philippines Organization at the press con.
“Mrs. Face of Tourism Philippines will use her voice to amplify her advocacies and help in building the nation by helping uplift the tourism of our country that is teeming with opportunities for livelihood for our countrymen,” she added.
The sashing ceremonies were presided by Refrea and Florence Rivera, secretary general of National Association of Independent Travel Agencies (NAITAS), the pageant’s partner.
Baguio City’s Susan Villanueva was voted as Darling of the Press during the event, in addition to winning several sponsor citations. Janina San Miguel from Quezon City placed second while Karen Palasigue from San Mateo, Rizal was third.
Last Tuesday, the pageant issued an official statement through its Facebook page announcing the withdrawal of San Miguel from the pageant. According to Refrea, San Miguel had a verbal altercation with the pageant’s director, Marky Delos Santos, that prompted the former beauty queen to leave their group chat.
The official roster of candidates now includes: Jean Dacuba Babon, Talisay Cebu; Pamela Mariano Forte, Parañaque City; Ghette Legg, Pampanga; Marie Karen Palasigue, San Mateo, Rizal; Jennifer Lansang Bastarriche, Marikina City; Nean Baguioro, Pasay City; Susan Villanueva, Baguio City; Michelle Toledo, Tanza, Cavite; Jeanny Lanurias Canales, Medellin, Cebu; Mira Madrigal, Sta.Rosa, Laguna; Lorna Bausas Teaño, Tagaytay City; Marimel May Ferrer-Ocaña, Tanauan, Leyte; Jenny Gaviola, Pasig City; Jannith Lauce Romantico, Quezon Province; Venus Almari, Biñan City; Jesa Mae Baroy, Taguig City; Rowena C. Almocera, Malolos, Bulacan.
In addition to Mrs. Face of Tourism Philippines, four other titles are at stake, namely, Mrs. Face of NAITAS, Mrs. Face of Heritage and Culture, Mrs. Face of Eco Tourism and Mrs. Face of Health and Wellness. There will also be two subsidiary titles: Mrs. Face of Elegance and Mrs. Face of Charity.
The candidates will undergo a series of workshops and tours related to pageant skills and tourism leading to the grand finale on May 30.
