GMA7 back to pageant scene

After losing the broadcasting rights for the Binibining Pilipinas pageant to rival network ABS-CBN this year, GMA returns to the pageant scene via the maiden edition of the Miss World Philippines competition.

The new pageant, which came about after the Binibining Pilipinas lost the Miss World franchise, is now organized by Inquirer columnist and wellness guru Cory Quirino, through her company CQ Global Quest.

GMA network executive Bang Arespacochaga promises a “special pageant selling the Philippines to the world,” with a stylized Filipino opening number featuring the Ramon Obusan Dance Group. Puerto Princesa City also serves as a backdrop for the swimsuit segment.

Theme song

Arespacochaga added that a special theme song was composed by Louie Ocampo and interpreted by Mark Bautista for CQ Global Quest.

Quirino revealed that Philippine fashion is also showcased in the pageant, with couturiers instructed to create exclusive gowns that fit the ladies’ bodies and personalities.

Making the contest even bigger is the P1-million prize money for the winner plus a condominium unit from SM Development Corporation.

Reigning Miss World Alexandria Mills from the United States will crown the winner, who will fly to London to represent the Philippines in the Miss World pageant on November 6.

Bb Pilipinas alumni

Among this year’s crop of candidates are the following Binibining Pilipinas alumni: Second runner-up Helen Nicolette Henson, semifinalists Gwen Ruais and Jaycel Arrozal, Miss Friendship Samantha Purvor, former “Deal or No Deal” briefcase carrier Martha Chloe McCully and Bianca Paz, who joined in 2009.

Mercy Malaluan and Kate Adi, nonplacers in the 2011 Miss Philippines Earth pageant, have likewise joined the fray.

The Miss World Philippines pageant will be held at the Philippine International Convention Center tonight at 6. It will be aired on the Kapuso network after “Protégé.”