Filipino queens shine in Noble Queen of the Universe contest; Cristina Gonzales-Romualdez takes top crown

Noble Queen of the Universe Cristina Gonzales-Romualdez (center) with Noble Queen Earth Sheralene Shirata (left) and Noble Queen International Leira Buan. Image: Philippine Daily Inquirer/Armin P. Adina

MANILA, Philippines—Former Tacloban City Mayor Cristina Gonzales-Romualdez romped away with the top crown at the Respect: Noble Queen of the Universe coronation program held at the Tokyo Prince Hotel in Tokyo, Japan, on Dec. 29.

The former public servant and erstwhile singer-actress inherited the crown from Modoka Kudeken from Japan, who received the title in the 2021 edition held in San Diego, California, in the United States. Gonzales is the fourth woman to earn the distinction, which was first captured by her fellow actress Patricia Javier in 2019.

Javier is now the pageant’s national director for the Philippines, and concurrently holds the position of international director and oversees the global organization.

Romualdez, who represented the Visayas in the annual tilt, was also proclaimed “Ambassador Queen of Humanity.” Two other Filipino contenders received titles as well. Leira Buan who represented Mindanao was crowned Noble Queen International, while Sheralene Shirata who represented Luzon was hailed as Noble Queen Earth.

Buan was also proclaimed “Ambassador Queen of Respect” and Best in Long Gown, while Shirata was “Ambassador Queen of Environment” and Best in National Costume.

Yuko Noguchi who represented Saitama, Japan, was crowned Noble Queen Globe, and was also proclaimed “Ambassador Queen of Health and Wellness,” while “Ambassador Queen of Integrity” Jenny Miglioretto from Japan was hailed as Noble Queen Tourism.

Filipino-American Marjorie Renner who represented the United States was crowned Noble Queen of the Universe Ltd. and was also proclaimed “Ambassador Queen of Goodwill” and Best in Active Wear.

Javier told the Inquirer in an earlier interview that the coronation program would serve as a platform to recognize the participant’s respective contributions to society through the various programs they initiated in their communities.

In an interview before she left for Tokyo, Romualdez told the Inquirer that she wanted to become a “Noble Queen” to be able to expand her work to provide support for abused women and children, and build shelters similar to the one she helped put up in Tacloban City.  /ra

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