Pageant of the World first runners-up Xyrilla Jean Antonio (left) and Angelo Joaquin Basa from the Philippines/PAGEANT OF THE WORLD PHILIPPINES PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines — Filipino tandem Xyrilla Jean Antonio and Angelo Joaquin Basa both finished as first runners-up in the female and male categories, respectively, of the 2023 Pageant of the World held in Australia, on Sept. 30.
The pair had just won their national titles on Aug. 1 in the first edition of the Pageant of the World Philippines, mounted by national director Bing Cristobal at Teatrino in San Juan City.
Antonio was awarded as “Best in National Costume” earlier in the international competition, while Basa was proclaimed as “Top Model” among the male aspirants.
At the culmination of the international pageant’s fifth edition held at Sofitel Sydney, Tonga’s Erika Bunter was proclaimed Pageant of the World Queen, while Vietnam’s Eric Phan was hailed as Pageant of the World King.
Bunter is a flight attendant who has been promoting Tonga’s rich tapestry as a model for Tongan designer brands and businesses. Phan, meanwhile, nurtures young artists in Vietnam.
Pageant of the World goes by the tagline “excite, enrich, engage,” and adheres to four pillars–compassionate service, social responsibility, culture promotion and education, and respect and fellowship.
Antonio brought to the international platform her desire to utilize the tools enjoyed by her generation in promoting the country’s heritage, culture, and even history.
Basa, as a basketball enthusiast, encouraged the world’s youth to engage in sports to develop discipline and teamwork, and promote a healthy lifestyle.