Mrs. Universe Philippines Foundation National director Maria Charo Calalo (seated) poses with the ladies competing in her national pageant this year. Image: Philippine Daily Inquirer/Armin P. Adina
MANILA, Philippines — The Mrs. Universe Philippines Foundation has presented 20 candidates for this year’s staging of its national pageant, all of them aiming to sashay on the international stage for a chance to bring home a global crown. And not only one, but a total of six national titleholders will have this opportunity.
The national organization told the Inquirer that six major titles will be bestowed during the finals — Mrs. Universe Philippines FDN-Continental Asia, Mrs. Universe Philippines FDN-Pacific Continental, Mrs. Universe Philippines FDN-West Pacific Asia, Mrs. Universe Philippines FDN-Northeast Asia, Mrs. Universe Philippines FDN-North Pacific Asia, and the main title Mrs. Universe Philippines.
All winners of the six crowns will be proclaimed at the culmination of the coronation night at the grand ballroom of Okada Manila in Parañaque City on Oct. 2. They will all fly to South Korea for the Mrs. Universe Ltd. pageant in December where more than 100 delegates are expected to take part.
The international competition in South Korea is mounted by the Bulgaria-based Mrs. Universe Ltd. established in 2007. Another contest with a similar name is organized by an Australia-based entity and will hold its inaugural edition also in December.
Aside from the six major crowns that will be handed out to the country’s representatives to South Korea, the national pageant will also bestow minor titles — the Mrs. Universe Philippines FDN-Luzon, Mrs. Universe Philippines FDN-Visayas, and Mrs. Universe Philippines FDN-Mindanao.
Three runners-up will also be proclaimed aside from the six major winners and three minor titleholders.
Singer-entrepreneur Maria Charo Calalo, Mrs. Universe Philippines FDN national director and herself the Mrs. Universe Philippines titleholder for 2019-2020, gathered the 20 candidates for this year’s national pageant at Simon’s Place Supreme Restobar in Quezon City on Sept. 25 for their orientation and contract signing.
The ladies already had their national costume photoshoot at Okada Manila on Sept. 26, under the lens of Ryan Aguas. JB
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