2011 MISS World first runner-up Gwendoline Ruais photo by rodel rotoni
The Philippines should prepare for a possible deluge of international beauties in 2015—that is, if TV5 and Cory Quirino’s CQ Global Quest (CQGQ) succeed in securing hosting rights for the Miss World pageant’s 65th edition.
During last week’s presentation of the 25 official candidates for the 2012 Miss World Philippines at the Manila Hotel, Quirino announced that CQGQ and TV5, the national pageant’s new network partner, plan to bid for the hosting rights, “with the support of the Department of Tourism.”
The Philippines has staged two editions of the Miss Universe pageant (1974 and 1994) but has never hosted Miss World.
“Miss World is the biggest [international beauty pageant], with over 130 candidates,” declared Quirino.
ROSS Misa, one of 25 official candidates photo by rodel rotoni
APRIL Love Jordan, former Miss International Beauty and Modeling Festival winner, candidate No. 17. photo by rodel rotoni
She made another big revelation: Gwendoline Ruais, 2011 Miss World Philippines, who placed second in the international contest last year, had come just one point away from the title. Venezuela’s Ivian Sarcos won.
“A [Miss World] license holder—who is 30 years ahead of me in the business—told me that,” Quirino said.
No Filipina has ever won Miss World. Aside from Ruais, Evangeline Pascual was also first runner-up in 1973.
Special batch
This year’s batch of Miss World Philippines bets is “special,” said Ruais. “There are a lot of different beauties. May morena, Caucasian, exotic … ”
Just like its maiden edition last year, the 2012 Miss World Philippines tilt attracted veterans of rival contests Binibining Pilipinas, Miss Philippines-Earth and Mutya ng Pilipinas.
The 25 aspirants will participate in “Beauty with a Purpose” on June 19, a charity gala night at the Dusit Hotel in Makati City. The event will serve as one of the pageant’s highlights,
CARLA Lizardo, former Mutya ng Pilipinas-Intercontinental, another candidate. photo by rodel rotoni
Quirino said. The ladies will also travel to different parts of Laguna, the province being the “official tourist destination” of this year’s competition.
The 2012 Miss World Philippines winner will receive P1 million.
Actress and 1993 Miss World second runner-up Ruffa Gutierrez will share hosting chores with Edu Manzano at the 2012 Miss World Philippines coronation night at the Manila Hotel Tent on June 24. TV5 will broadcast the ceremonies live at 8:30 p.m.