The Miss Philippines, Mister Pilipinas Worldwide heat up with marathon of activities

The Miss Philippines delegates showcase the creations of ‘The Filipino Fashion Fest’ finalist Nathaniel Magsakay. Image: INQUIRER.net/Armin P. Adina

MANILA, Philippines—The candidates of The Miss Philippines Culture and Heritage Celebration and the Mister Pilipinas Worldwide have their hands full with a series of events for the first-ever “The Filipino Festival,” as well as their respective preparations for the two searches’ final competition later this month.

After gracing the opening of the month-long festival’s “The Filipino Food and Products Fest” at the Estancia Mall in Pasig City on Oct. 6, the aspirants walked down the runway for “The Filipino Fashion Fest” in the same mall on Oct. 12, where the ladies showcased a collection from fashion label Mags, and the gentlemen presented the resort-wear creations of designer Pablo Mendez.

The candidates of The Miss Philippines also gave life to the designs of The Filipino Fashion Fest’s three finalists—Sam Lim, Lyndon Dalida and Nathaniel Magsakay—who each produced seven looks for the competition.

The festival is mounted by Empire Holdings Inc., organizer of The Miss Philippines and the Mister Pilipinas Worlwide, and the same team behind the annual Miss Universe Philippines pageant. It opened with “The Filipino Music Fest” at 12 Monkeys Music Hall and Pub, also at the Estancia Mall, on Oct. 5. The event, headlined by “Diamond Soul Siren” Nina, featured the winning entries from the songwriting finalists—“Dito pa rin Ako” by Daniel Temporada, “Higit pa sa Ganda” by Maria Angelica Dayao, and “My Superstar” by Edmund Perlas and C-Tru.

Mister Pilipinas Worldwide in resort wear by designer Pablo Mendez. Image: INQUIRER.net/Armin P. Adina

Next on the candidates’ calendar is The Filipino Festival’s “Day of Giving” on Oct. 16. During the event, the delegates of The Miss Philippines will provide cheer to young children who will visit The Filipino Food and Products Fest. The ladies are expected to distribute food and gifts, and create memories with the kids.

Proceeds from The Filipino Food and Products Fest on that day will also be donated to the charity organization “Hope for Change.” In a statement released to media, The Filipino Festival said, “We believe that giving back to the community is an essential part of celebrating Filipino culture and heritage.”

The delegates are also expected to walk the red carpet of “The Filipino Film Fest” at Estancia Cinema 2 on Oct. 18, where the entries of the 10 finalists will be screened, and the winners will be announced.

The Filipino Festival will culminate at the back-to-back final shows of The Miss Philippines and Mister Pilipinas Worldwide at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City on Oct. 24. Reigning Miss Supranational Andrea Aguilera from Ecuador and reigning Mister International Kim Goodburn from Thailand are scheduled to appear in the twin events.

Miss Universe Philippines winners Rabiya Mateo and Beatrice Luigi Gomez will share hosting chores with Miss Charm first runner-up Annabelle McDonnel for The Miss Philippines, while former “Pinoy Big Brother” housemate Andre Brouilette will handle the show for Mister Pilipinas Worldwide.

Thai actor Nattawat Jirochtikul will also stage his Philippine comeback in the culminating event, with “Diwata” and “Dalisay” hitmaker Sam Concepcion opening the show with his new single “Otomatika.” Gigi De Lana and her band The Gigi Vibes will also perform.  /ra