NZ bet reaps accolades at Miss Asia Pacific International 2024 prelims

Best in Swimsuit Jennifer Prokop from Germany (center) with New Zealand’s Katharina Weischede (left) and the Philippines’ Blessa Figueroa during the Miss Asia Pacific International 2024 prelims/ARMIN P. ADINA

New Zealand’s Katharina Weichede collected several sashes at the preliminary event of the 2024 Miss Asia Pacific International pageant on Thursday afternoon, Oct. 3.

The Filipino-Kiwi bet posted podium finishes in all three competition rounds during the event held at Lanson Place Mall of Asia in Pasay City and even took home two special awards.

Weischede was first runner-up in both national costume and evening gown competitions and was second runner-up in the swimsuit round. She was also proclaimed as Miss Lime Hotel and Resort, and Miss Hotel 101.

She had earlier topped the “Darling of the Press” poll among members of the media who attended the press presentation on Tuesday, Oct. 1, with the Philippines’ Blessa Figueroa amassing the second-highest number of votes. Sweden’s Wanja Jennifer Grace Olsson finished third.

Best in Evening Gown Kanyaphatsaphon Rungueang from Thailand (center) with Peru’s Maria Fernanda Colchada Medina (left) and New Zealand’s Katharina Weischede/ARMIN P. ADINA

Best in National Costume Anh Vuong Pham Thi from Vietnam (center) with India’s Sophiya Singh (left) and New Zealand’s Katharina Weischede/ARMIN P. ADINA

Miss New Zealand Katharina Weischede (foregrond, left)/ARMIN P. ADINA

Figueroa also raised the Philippine banner so gallantly in Thursday’s event. She finished second in the swimsuit competition, and was proclaimed Miss Stronghold and Miss Zen Institute.

Germany’s Jennifer Prokop topped the swimsuit round, while Thailand’s Kanyaphatsaphon Rungueang dominated the evening gown competition. Vietnam’s Anh Vuong Pham Thi, meanwhile, was the Best in National Costume.

India’s Sophiya Singh and Peru’s Maria Fernanda Colchada Medina finished third in the national costume and evening gown competitions, respectively.

The 2024 Miss Asia Pacific International coronation night will be held at the Newport Performing Arts Theater in Pasay City on Monday night, Oct. 7. Thirty-three delegates from around the world are competing for the crown currently held by Cheyenne Huisman from Spain.