The girls of Miss Resorts World Manila 2012
When in Manila, you will see some of the most beautiful women on the planet. The Filipina’s beauty is only surpassed by her poise, femininity, and grace. And on November 7, Resorts World Manila helped gather 20 of the most beautiful Filipinas to find the Miss Resorts World Manila 2012 in the swimsuit competition and media preview.
The event was held at the Newport Mall and showcased what host Bianca Valerio said was essential for the title: beauty, brains, and talent. And the contestants had no shortage of the three, who participated in a boot camp-style training that only the truly fierce could handle.
The contestants strutting their stuff and showing what their momma gave them
Like ballet, the Miss Resorts World Manila 2012 show was the beautiful result of rigorous training that began in October. Challenges ranged from a camera facing workshop with supermodel Joey Mead, a calendar shoot with the talented Mark Nicdao and Pam Quiñones at Maxims Hotel, and a personality development class and makeup training with Mafae Belasco and Jing Monis, respectively. And on November 6, the talent competition was held where Johanne Dagohoy won with a rendition of Whitney Houston’s I Will Always Love You.
Some of the contestants as they gave beauty queen realness to the crowd
The swimwear competition kicked off with a walk-off of the 20 contestants in stunning swimwear styled by Charmaine Palermo. All the girls looked absolutely stunning, and like the brand endorsing them, classy and sophisticated. The girls came from a variety of backgrounds and experiences, from Binibining Pilipinas to Ford Supermodel of the World Philippines and Miss Earth.
This author’s favorite contestants: Michelle Gavagan and Hannah dela Guerra
Julian Flores, the Darling of the Press, as voted by invited journalists
All the girls had their share of fans (I was a fan of Michelle Gavagan and Hannah dela Guerra), but it was Julian Flores who won the Darling of the Press award after invited journalists were asked to vote on each candidate. According to Valerio, the Darling of the Press award is reserved for the girl who has that “something about her that you are attracted to.”
The four finalists in the swimsuit competition (clockwise): Kaara Tan, Roxane Jesalva, Erika San Buenaventura, and Julian Flores
The winner of the swimsuit competition, Zahara Mae Soriano, with Executive Vice President Steve Reilly
Kaara Tan, Roxane Jesalva, Julian Flores, Erika San Buenaventura made it to the top five in the swimwear category, with Zahara Soriano rounding out the finalists and clinching the title of Best in Swimwear. Out of the girls, she was the most popular and had friends, family, and fans shouting for her and waving placards with her name.
Zahara Soriano, winner of the swimsuit competition, poses with the other girls
Right after, the girls will be flying to Hong Kong for the legendary Star Cruises and Disneyland. But it won’t be just fun and games as they will join challenges like an Amazing Race-style game that will test their wits and street smarts. The girls will be back at the Performing Arts Theater of the Newport Mall on November 23 for the final coronation for Miss Resorts World Manila 2012. The girls will be in the final runway with clothes from the Cebu Designers’ Guild headed by Philip Rodriguez. The winner will receive a grand prize of P750,000, while the first runner-up will receive P500,000 and second runner-up will receive P300,000.
So when in Manila, make sure to visit the Newport Mall on November 23 to watch the coronation of Miss Resorts World Manila 2012, which will kick off the Grand Fiesta 2012, the most spectacular, longest, and biggest Yuletide celebration in the country.
Facebook: www.facebook.com/rwmanila
Twitter: @MissRWManila
Instagram: resortsworldmanila (users can participate in a Photo Face Off to win dining certificates and tickets to the finals)
Only one can soar: The search for the next Miss Resorts World Manila
