Philippines at Major Beauty Pageants

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Gemma Teresa Cruz Miss International 1964

Gemma Teresa Guerrero Cruz-Araneta is an epitome of a powerful yet beautiful woman. Quite renowned as a Filipino politician, writer and director, Gemma won Miss International 1964 becoming the first Filipino and Asian to win the title. Subsequent to her victory, Araneta received an "Outstanding Manileña" and a "Golden Heart" Presidential decoration from President Diosdado Macapagal. She is an inspiration to all the succeeding Filipino beauty queens.

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Gloria Diaz Miss Universe 1969

Gloria Aspillera Diaz is the first Filipino Miss Universe. Quite renowned as a Filipino actress and TV host, Díaz was only 18 when she became Miss Universe 1969 after besting other candidates. The queen was incredibly regal and modest in her final question and answer round. When asked, ''In the next day or so, a man will land on the moon. If a man from the moon landed in your hometown, what would you do to entertain him?" the majestic beauty answered with utmost humility: “Oh! Uh, just the same things I do. I think if he has been on the moon for so long, I think when he comes over he wants to change, I guess" The queen received massive applause for her poise and is remembered for her eloquence even today.

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Aurora Pijuan Miss International 1970

When Aurora was crowned as Miss International, her victory intended that the Philippines was the first and only country to win the Miss International crown twice in the history. She only appeared in two movies. Her introductory role came in 1973 via the trilogy flick “Si Popeye Atbp” where she played Olive Oyl to Ariel Ureta’s Popeye in the first episode. The following year, she was casted as one of the leading ladies opposite then action star Ramon Revilla Sr. in the Spanish-American war movie titled “Sunugin ang Samar”. She is presently an active member of the Gawad Kalinga movement in the rural areas of the Philippines. A woman with sturdy demeanor, she is truly appreciable.

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Maria Margarita Moran Miss Universe 1973

Maria Margarita Moran is the second Filipina to win the coveted Miss Universe crown. Maria has been multi-awarded peace advocate for her efforts in Mindanao and is currently the President of Ballet Philippines. In her final question and answer round, Maria was intrigued, “If you had one million dollars what would you do with it?” to which the very altruistic lady replied: “I would buy a big house where I can live...(pause) with other people of course.” The judges and the audience unquestionably felt that her answer is from the bottom of her heart and the lady with a genuine love for others walked home with the worthy crown.

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Mimilanie Marquez Miss International 1979

Mimilanie Marquez is not just a beauty queen but also a prominent lawyer in Philippines. Apart from working as a lawyer, this Filipina beauty is also a personality development and modeling coach, actress, film producer, author, and celebrity endorser. Marquez also won Best National Costume Award at Miss International 1979. In 1985, Marquez became the Face of the 80s winner in New York and was described as the "Most Glamorous Woman in Italy". In 2000, she was voted the "Most Beautiful Miss International Winner", and in 2005 she was one of the 6 finalists in the Mrs. World pageant.

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Maria Zaragoza Miss Asia Pacific 1982

Maria was the first Filipino beauty queen who was crowned as Miss Asia Pacific in 1982. She was also crowned as Miss Asia in the same year subsequent to Mutya Ng Pilipinas. The lady was loved by her countrymen for her elegant poise and buoyant persona. She is a wonderful lady with witty presence of mind.

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Gloria Dimayacyac Miss Asia Pacific 1983

Gloria initiated the first ever back to back victory in the history of Miss Asia Pacific, which also made her the second Filipina to win the title of Miss Asia Pacific. Gloria was also the winner of the Filipino beauty pageant, Mutya Ng Pilipinas. With an intelligent presence of mind, and down to earth nature, Gloria not just impressed the judges but also ensnared the audience around the globe with her majestic charm.

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Lorna Legaspi Miss Asia Pacific 1989

Lorna Legaspi became the third Filipina to capture the sought after title in the Asia/Pacific and the Americas region by winning Miss Asia Pacific 1989. Lorna impressed the international judges when she sang a Filipino folk song during the interview portion of the pageant held in Hong Kong. The booming audience was enthralled by Lorna’s captivating gesture and she was adjudged as the winner in the event.

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Michelle Aldana Miss Asia Pacific 1993

Michelle Aldana was the fourth Miss Asia Pacific titleholder from the Philippines. She got the nod from the judges with her quick wit during the finals of the said pageant. Back at Philippines, the international beauty queen is famous as a Filipina model and actress. Michelle Zulueta Aldana was also crowned as Mutya ng Pilipinas. She decided to move to Germany at the peak of her acting and modeling career and quit the movie industry for good. The diva had done numerous films namely “Ikaw ang Miss Universe ng Buhay Ko,” “Ober da Bakod,” “Ang Pinakamagandang Hayop sa Balat ng Lupa,” “Hawak Ko ang Buhay Mo,” “Estranghero,” “Hindi Pa Tapos ang Laban,” and “Segurista.

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Suzanne Fahling Miss Tourism World 1995

Suzanne with her soft features and enigmatic personality made everlasting impressions on the judges. The fine facial features, with fanatical fan following outshined others during the grand finale as she took over the stage in the coronation night. Suzanne’s charisma is certainly to die for, and she proved her worth by rightfully securing the very prestigious crown of Miss Tourism World in 1995.

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Maria Esperanza Manzano Miss Tourism International 2000

The Filipina who captured the first Miss Tourism International crown for Philippines, Maria Esperanza Manzano was also crowned as Miss Quezon City and Mutya ng Pilipinas winner prior to her win at Miss Tourism International 2000. At present, she is living a happily married life. She is highly cherished for initiating a success streak for her succeeding Filipino queens at Miss Tourism International.

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Michelle Reyes Miss Tourism International 2001 and Miss Tourism World 2002

It was a surprise win for the registered nurse, Michelle at Miss Tourism International 2001 who placed as 1st Runner-Up in Bb. Pilipinas 2001. The lady did not settled sown with her first victory and won another international crown for her homeland, Philippines in the succeeding year when she participated at Miss Tourism World 2002. She became the first Asian and first Filipino to win two international titles in consecutive years.

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Kristine Alzar Miss Tourism International 2002

Kristine Reyes Alzar won the Binibining Pilipinas-International 2002 title who was eventually crowned as Miss Tourism International 2002 in Odessa, Ukraine. Born and raised in Lipa City, twenty-one year old Kristine, and the only daughter of Oscar Alzar and Avelina Alzar, became the second Batanguena beauty queen after her aunt, Eva Reyes, who was Miss Republic of the Philippines 1972 and semi-finalist in the Miss World pageant in London. Kristine finished BS Hotel and Restaurant Management at the De La Salle, Lipa and joined Bb. Pilipinas 2001 along with Precious Lara Quigaman and Katherine Manalo, but had to leave at the early stage of the pageant for her internship in Singapore.

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Noela Mae Evangelista Queen of Tourism International 2003

Noela Mae Evangelista was Bb. Pilipinas 2nd Runner Up in 2003 who later represented the Philippines in the Queen of Tourism International 2003 in Mexico City which she eventually won. During the final question and answer portion Noela was asked to describe the Philippines in 20 seconds, to which the diva beautifully answered: "The Philippines is composed of 7,107 tropical islands with its multi-cultural people living side by side. And I think I have very well represented my country tonight when I fell on the floor and stood up. I have stood up not only for myself but also for my country." The 21 years old diva walked with the crown that night.

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Precious Lara Quigaman Miss International 2005

Prior to winning Miss International, Quigaman joined Binibining Pilipinas twice, first in 2001 and last in 2005. The latter ultimately earned her the title of Binibining Pilipinas-International and also rewarded Philippines with fourth Miss International crown. The diva was asked in the final round: “What do you say to the people of the world who have typecasted filipinos as nannies?" To which she gracefully answered: “I take no offence on being typecasted as a nanny. But I do take offence that the educated people of the world have somehow denigrated the true sense and meaning of what a nanny is. Let me tell you what she is. She is someone who gives more than she takes. She is someone you trust to look after the very people most precious to you - your child, the elderly, yourself. She is the one who has made a living out of caring and loving other people. So to those who have typecasted us as nannies, thank you. It is a testament to the loving and caring culture of the Filipino people. And for that, I am forever proud and grateful of my roots and culture."

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Justine Gabionza Miss Tourism Queen International 2006

After crowned as Miss Tourism Queen of the Year International 2006, Justine went back to her regular life as a commercial model after her reign. Justine successfully bagged a number of TV commercials through her sheer natural beauty and screen presence. Justine made her latest appearance as a fashion model in the TRESemmé Runway Ready Fashion Event where she wore a Francis Libiran during the latter’s segment with Hair Expert Lourd Ramos. The queen looks vibrant, dynamic and beautiful even today

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Karla Henry Miss Earth 2008

Karla Henry became the first Asian and first Filipino to win the title of Miss Earth in 2008. Karlwa was also honored as a Sinulog Queen in 2009. She led the Earth Hour 2012 in Cebu City, Philippines whereby she led the pledge for Mother Earth where 13 megawatts were saved by residents and establishments in Metro Cebu. In the event, Karla also insisted her supporters to switch off their lights and non-essential appliances. In her final question and answer round at Miss Earth 2008, the beauty was seen saying that: “I believe that children are our future.” The judges and audience applauded her substance and she was soon crowned as the woman of the earth.

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Rizzini Alexis Gomez Miss Tourism International 2012

The proud beauty queen is unfortunately no more. The lady lost the battle of her life to lung cancer last year at the age of 25. Rizzini captured million hearts when she won the title of Mutya ng Pilipinas - Tourism 2012. She made the whole country proud when she won the international crown of Miss Tourism International 2012 in Malaysia. This 25 years old Cebuana beauty, ruled the global pageantry scene with her captivating charm.

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Megan Young Miss World 2013

Miss World had always been very elusive for Philippines, until Megan Young came as a savior. Despite of winning several placements and runner ups, it took 62 years for Philippines to win the Miss World crown. Prior to Miss World participation, Megan was eminently known as a Filipino-American actress, model and TV Host. Megan placed at all the fastrack events, also winning the Top Model Round. Later, Megan hosted the Miss World pageant for two consecutive years.

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Bea Rose Santiago Miss International 2013

Bea was crowned as the fifth Miss International from Philippines when her nation was fighting with heavy calamity of typhoon. Bea took her final question and answer round as an occasion to express gratitude to all the nations who helped her fellow countrymen at the time of their distress. The genuine, heart-touching and exalting answer from this tender diva made her the winner of hearts alongside the Miss International crown.

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Mutya Datul Miss Supranational 2013

The very sanguine, tender, fresh and vibrant beauty, Mutya won the first Miss Supranational crown for her nation in 2013. Mutya was thoroughly loved for her modest aura and curvaceous body, which made her look one to die for. She also won the title of Miss Personality at Miss Supranational 2013. The lady is the first Asian to bring this crown home.

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Angeli Dione Gomez Miss Tourism International 2013

Angeli Dione Barbas Gomez is a famous Filipino model who was formerly crowned Mutya ng Pilipinas Tourism Int'l 2013. She competed at the Miss Tourism International 2013-2014 pageant in Putrajaya, Malaysia where she won the Miss Tourism International crown. Angeli also joined Miss Resorts World Manila 2012 where she placed as 4th runner-up. This beauty queen has majored in Film at the International Academy of Film and Television in Mactan, Cebu, and is loved for her graceful aura and sparkling beauty.

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Jamie Herrell Miss Earth 2014

Jamie Herrell is the second Filipino Miss Earth. Jamie Herrell is a famous Filipino-American actress, TV Host and dancer. Throughout her reign, Jamie spread the advocacy of safeguarding Mother Earth by planting trees and inspiring others to save trees. Jamie has won three titles prior to Miss Earth which includes Miss Sinulog Festival Queen 2013, Miss MegaCebu 2013 and Reyna ng Aliwan 2013. At Miss Earth 2014, she won “Darling of the Press” along with the “Best Cocktail Dress” competition.

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Leren Mae Bautista Miss Tourism Queen of the Year International 2015

The recently crowned Miss Tourism Queen of the Year International Leren Mae Bautista is another star in the galaxy of Filipino legends. Formerly, Leren was also adjudged as the Mutya ng Pilipinas-Asia Pacific. The tall and lean stature, confidence to handle the press with buoyancy and grace to steal the show at runway makes her all the more appealing.

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Angelia Ong Miss Earth 2015

Angelia Ong is the brightest star of the cluster as she accomplished an almost impossible victory this year by marking the first ever back to back win in the history of pageant, thereby also winning the third Miss Earth crown for Philippines. Not only did she proved her elegance through this win, but also established everything is possible, if one solemnly follows his willpower. Angelia formerly represented Iloilo City at Binibining Pilipinas 2011 wherein she was awarded as the Face of Bb. Pilipinas. Coming back refined and polished, this beauty queen fought for the national title of Miss Earth fair and square, and then the rest as we know is history. Throughout her reign, the gorgeous and gracious Earth Warrior will be serving to the needs of Mother Earth.

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Miss Universe 2015 Pia Wurtzbach

A professional model, actress, host and TV personality, Pia was humble and down to earth throughout her journey. Despite of the criticisms, Pia never failed to focus on her aim, and worked towards her goal steadfastly. Her confidence, natural beauty and authenticity to prove her words true through her actions made her the Queen of Universe. After three attempts, Pia Wurtzbach not only headed over the title of Miss Universe Philippines but also fulfilled her nation’s 42 years old dream of winning the third Miss Universe crown. She is now residing in New York, fulfilling her duties as her Miss Universe reign prolongs.

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Kylie Verzosa Miss International 2016

Kylie Verzosa was crowned Miss International 2016 at the finale held on 27th October 2019 at the Tokyo Dome City Hall in Tokyo, Japan. Kylie Verzosa from the Philippines succeeds and was crowned by Edymar Martínez from Venezuela. Kylie Verzosa was born in Baguio City, Philippines. She graduated high school from Saint Louis University, Baguio City and she graduated from Ateneo de Manila University with a bachelor's degree in Business Management. She is an advocate of mental health, depression, and suicide awareness. Verzosa volunteered for the Natasha Goulbourn Foundation, which aims to educate people about depression and suicide. She created Mental Health Matters, an online support group which aims to give emotional support to people who are experiencing depression, anxiety disorder, and other forms of mental illnesses.

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Jannie Loudette Miss Tourism International 2017

Jannie Loudette Alipo-on was crowned Miss Tourism International 2017 at the pageant held in Malaysia on 7th December 2017. She was crowned by her predecessor Miss Tourism International 2016 Ariel Pearse. From Navotas, Jannie studied Tourism and Travel Management at De La Salle - College of Saint Benilde. Before being a crowned queen, she was a Model/Dancer at 24K Girls (Kapamilya Deal or No Deal) and a Front Desk Clerk at CSB Hotel. She has proven her worth with incredible performances in the past.

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Karen Ibasco Miss Earth 2017

Karen Ibasco crowned Miss Earth 2017 at the extravagant coronation night of Miss Earth 2017 held at Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay, Metro Manila, Philippines. Katherine Espín of Ecuador crowned Karen Ibasco of The Philippines as her successor. She is the third queen to win the coveted title for Philippines in last 4 years being crowned after Jamie Herrell in 2014 and Angelia Ong in 2015. In the QnA round, She was asked ‘What is the Biggest Enemy/ Enemies Of Mother Earth’ in the famous Question and Answer round of the competition, to which she gave this impressive answer “I believe that the real problem in this world is not climate change, the real problem is us because of our ignorance and apathy, what we have to do is to start changing our ways, to start recalibrating our minds, and to start redirecting our steps because together at a global community, our micro efforts will have a macro effects to help save our home, our planet.”

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Sharifa Akeel Miss Asia Pacific International 2018

Miss Asia Pacific International 2018 held its coronation night on 4th October 2018 at the Newport Performing Arts Theater, Resorts World Manila, Pasay City, Metro Manila where Sharifa Akeel representing the Philippines was crowned the new queen. She succeeds and was crowned by Miss Asia Pacific International 2017 Francielly Ouriques. Sharifa Areef was crowned Mutya ng Pilipinas 2018 as she won the right to represent the Philippines in Miss Asia Pacific International 2018. With a consistent performance, Sharifa already won the titles of Darling of the Press at the Press Presentation and Best Evening Gown during the preliminaries. She also was the first runner-up in the swimsuit competition and the second runner-up in the National Costume Competition in the event. She has had a successful reign and an amazing career.

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Karen Gallman Miss Intercontinental 2018

Karen Gallman was crowned Miss Intercontinental 2018 at the finale of 26th January 2018 in Manila, Philippines where Karen Gallman from the Philippines was crowned the new queen. Miss Intercontinental 2017 Veronica Salas Vallejo relinquished her crown at the end of the event finale. Karen Gallman created history by winning the first ever Miss Intercontinental title for her country as it hosted the pageant for the first time. The half-Australian and half-Spanish descent Filipina has definitely proved her worth in the pageantry with brilliant performances.

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Catriona Elisa Magnayon Gray Miss Universe 2018

Catriona Gray was crowned Miss Universe 2018 on 17th December 2018 in Bangkok, Thailand by the outgoing Miss Universe 2017 Demi-Leigh Nel-Peters. Catriona is a Filipino-Australian model, singer, and beauty pageant titleholder. She is the fourth Filipina to win the Miss Universe competition. In the final question and answer portion, she was asked, “What is the most important lesson you’ve learned in your life and how will you apply it to your time as Miss Universe?" as she answered, “I work a lot in the slums of Tondo, Manila and the life there is very... it's poor and it's very sad. And I’ve always taught myself to look for the beauty in it; to look in the beauty in the faces of the children, and to be grateful. And I would bring this aspect as a Miss Universe to see situations with a silver lining, and to assess where I could give something, where I could provide something as a spokesperson. And this I think if I could also teach people to be grateful, we could have an amazing world where negativity could not grow and foster, and children will have a smile on their faces.”