Billy Crawford (right) and Maria Gigante/MISS WORLD PHILIPPINES ORGANIZATION FACEBOOK PHOTO
Billy Crawford will host the 2024 Miss World Philippines coronation night, ushering his return to hosting, and pageantry, and after hopping networks the past few years.
The multi-hyphenate entertainer will handle the ceremonies of the final competition that will be held at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City on July 19, the Miss World Philippines Organization (MWPH) announced on social media on Sunday, June 30.
Sharing hosting chores with Crawford will be Maria Gigante, 2022 Miss World Philippines semifinalist and the first Filipino woman to compete in the Universal Woman contest, where she also became the first winner from the country.
The national pageant is holding a competition after skipping a year. There was no contest in 2023 because the international Miss World pageant kept on postponing its 71st edition originally slated for last year.
Reigning queen Gwendolyne Fourniol had to wait for almost two years since her coronation as Miss World Philippines in 2022 before getting the opportunity to represent the country on the international stage. Her global tilt was finally held in February this year.
Thirty-five ladies from all over the country are competing to inherit her title. Also set to crown their successors are Reina Hispanoamericana Filipinas Michelle Arceo and Miss Philippines Tourism Herlene Budol.
Among the familiar faces vying for the titles are returning candidate and 2021 Miss World Philippines First Princess Rhiana Agatha Pangindian, former Miss Charm Philippines Krishnah Gravidez, and former Miss Manila Gabrielle Lantzer.
Former Binibining Pilipinas semifinalists Jasmine Omay and Jean Isabelle Bilasano have also crossed over, as well as 2024 Miss Universe Philippines contestants Patricia Bianca Tapia and Dia Maté.
Bb. Pilipinas and Miss World Philippines alumna Jane Darren Genobisa is also giving another shot at snagging a crown this year, while former Limgas na Pangasinan-World Nikki Buenafe has finally gotten her chance to move to nationals more than a year since earning her provincial title.
Whoever will be crowned Miss World Philippines will represent the country in the 72nd Miss World pageant, whose date and venue are still yet to be known. The Reina Hispanoamericana contest also has not made any announcement about its next competition.