Darling of the Press winners (front, from left) Evangeline Pulvera from Bohol, Vernelie Diane Babasa from Lipa City and Irma Bitzer from North Cebu City make an impression this early in the competition. Image: Philippine Daily Inquirer/Armin P. Adina
MANILA, Philippines—Its national finals is scheduled for next year, but this early the Mrs. Philippines International organization has already presented 15 of the aspirants for the upcoming competition.
The delegates, who already constitute half of the targeted 30 total haul for the 2023 pageant, received their sashes assigning the places that they will carry in the national pageant, during the organization’s thanksgiving ball held at the Glass Ballroom of Okada Manila in Parañaque City on Dec. 22.
The other half of the roster will be introduced in the succeeding weeks, and will be presented before the final competition, which will take place at the grand ballroom of Okada Manila in March.
The province of Cebu came in full force with all the top winners of its regional pageant making it to the official roster of delegates. They were accompanied by their regional director, Cebuana beauty Jessica Eribal, who won the Mrs. International pageant in Singapore in 2017.
The Mrs. Philippines International organization also cited the Mrs. Cebu Philippines pageant as the “Best Regional Pageant,” with Eribal as the “Best Regional Director,” during the event. Irma Bitzer, who is representing North Cebu City in the national pageant, also finished third in the poll for “Darling of the Press.”
Vernelie Diane Babasa from Lipa City in Batangas garnered the most votes for the poll among members of the local media in attendance, with Evangeline Pulvera from Bohol getting the second-highest number of votes.
The event also feted the organization’s queens who reaped accolades in recent international competitions—Mrs. National Globe Marie Abigael Bayuga, Mrs. Grand International Imperial Patrizha Meer-Banzuela and Mrs. Heritage International fourth runner-up Christel Bulabon.
Michelle Vitug Encarnacion, who was crowned Elite Mrs. Philippines International in 2019, will also finally get her chance to compete abroad. She is scheduled to fly to Singapore in February for the international contest.
The organization also debuted the “Hera” crown for the 2023 pageant, which was presented by reigning Mrs. Philippines International Leona Luisa Andersen-Jocson. This was also the first public event where the newlywed queen was introduced using her new surname.
Mrs. Philippines International CEO Maan Aris expressed her gratitude to the regional directors and all of the pageant’s partners for supporting her quest to “give opportunities to Filipino moms,” and providing more platforms where women can “use their voices and inspire other people.” /ra
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