Sabrina M, Alma Soriano, and Janina San Miguel. Image from ARMIN P. ADINA
MANILA, Philippines — The Mrs. Face of Tourism Philippines pageant attracted familiar faces to its inaugural edition this year, with former Binibining Pilipinas World Janina San Miguel and former sexy actresses Sabrina M and Alma Soriano among its roster of candidates.
The three were among 16 candidates presented by pageant organizer Annie Refrea at the grand ballroom of Winford Manila Resort and Casino in Manila on March 4. Twenty ladies are reportedly vying in the competition, with four other ladies missing the program.
But the three popular ladies were trounced by Susan Villanueva from Baguio City for the “Darling of the Press” poll among members of the media who covered the event. The winner garnered 17 votes, two more from what San Miguel received. Sabrina M, whose real name is Karen Palasigui, was third with seven votes.
The three famous faces weighed in on whether their popularity could help them in the competition:
San Miguel had been a subject of ridicule in pageant circles and online following her amusing responses during a pageant Q&A 15 years ago.
Palasigui, for her part, was in the 1993 Mutya ng Pilipinas pageant, where she was proclaimed Miss Photogenic. The actress later worked on films such as “Kakaibang Karisma,” “Makamandag na Bango,” and “Ma’am, Turuan Mo Ako.” Soriano, whose real name is Rowena Almocera, appeared in the films “Kapirasong Gubat sa Gitna ng Dagat,” “Hiyas…sa Paraiso ng Kasalanan,” and “Dalawang Pisngi ng Langit.”
“I’m a broadcast communication student before, and good and bad publicity is still publicity,” San Miguel said. “For sure I’ll be the very best spokesperson for this organization. And I will promote tourism in our country, to recover after the [pandemic]. That’s my advocacy, thank you,” she continued.
Almocera, meanwhile, said, “although being popular is an advantage, we will compete with our own talent, our own skills, and our own intellect.” Palasigui recognized her popularity is indeed an advantage. “It may help you, but you still have to perform, and believe in yourself,” she said in Filipino.
San Miguel is representing Quezon City in the competition, while Palasigui is raising the banner for San Mateo, Rizal. Almocera, meanwhile, is carrying the town of Malolos in the province of Bulacan.
The organization has not released the date and venue of the coronation night, but the winner will represent the Philippines in the first-ever Mrs. Face of Tourism Universe pageant. Four more national titles will be awarded—Mrs. Face of Eco-tourism, Mrs. Face of Culture and Heritage Philippines, Mrs. Face of Health and Wellness, and Mrs. Face of NAITAS. EDV