Images from Cosmo Manila King and Queen Facebook page
MANILA, Philippines — A new competition hoping to elevate the usual bikini contests has awarded P200,000 each to its male and female winners last on Nov. 5.
After the dust settled in the competition that ended early morning on Nov. 6, Jovy Angel and Morena Carlos not only found themselves richer, they also had capes draped over their shoulders, with their respective crowns as king and queen sitting on their heads.
The Cosmo Manila King and Queen tilt held in Quezon City was mounted by film producer and former actor Marc Cubales, who hopes to reignite the live entertainment industry in the country hardly-hit by the restrictions resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic.
He has also dipped his hands into film production to support the ailing Filipino movie industry by collaborating with director Jay Altarejos and 2076 Kolektib for “Finding Daddy Blake,” whose trailer was released on the date of the Cosmo Manila King and Queen finals.
The contest also proclaimed Nash Mendoza and Aya Valdez as first runners-up, while RJ Absalud and Dimpol Ortega were second runners-up.
National pageant veterans Christian Villarin and Anita Gomez were proclaimed third runners-up. Villarin has already competed in the Mister Grand Philippines and Mister International Philippines contests, while Gomez took part in the Miss Philippines Earth pageant.
Rounding up the winners’ circle were fourth runners-up Simon Abrenica and Sahara Cruz.
Allen Molina’s Top 8 finish shocked the audience and online viewers. As a veteran of such competitions for a decade now, having amassed countless titles, missing a podium finish is highly unthinkable for many who have followed his career.
Host John Nite announced that the Cosmo Manila King and Queen contest will return next year. He shared the stage with 2020 Miss World Philippines “Beauty With A Purpose” winner Joy Barcoma and seasoned pageant emcee Michael Bristol. EDV