WinWyn Marquez dead set on winning Miss World Philippines crown

Actress, dancer and TV personality Teresita “WinWyn” Marquez is no stranger to the pageant circuit.

Wyn, who is one of 35 candidates in this year’s Miss World Philippines pageant, previously won three special awards and finished in the Top 15 in Binibining Pilipinas 2015. Wyn joined Binibining Pilipinas on the same year Pia Wurtzbach won the title and, eventually, the Miss Universe crown.

In a media interview during the presentation of candidates for this year’s Miss World Philippines, Wyn talked about how Pia has been an inspiration to pageant hopefuls like herself. “Inspiration siya ng lahat ng girls. Siguro if there was a chance na makausap ko siya and ask her for advice, lalapitan ko na siya ngayon.”

It can be remembered that Pia joined Binibining Pilipinas thrice before she actually bagged the crown, and her story has served as a staunch reminder to pageant candidates to never back down from competing.

“She serves as an inspiration to us, lalo na because I lost the first time. And yun nga, you never give up on a dream. You try and if you give your best, talagang 100 percent, wala kang i-reregret,” Wyn shared.

Wyn returned to her television stints after joining Binibining Pilipinas, but now has her eyes on the Miss World Philippines crown. The statuesque morena beauty is dead set on winning the title, even if she does feel apprehension from time to time.

“You have to train your mind to be positive and you have to train your mind that you’re going to win. Actually, kinakabahan ako na sobrang excited. I have the chance to go back on stage and show everyone that I also deserve to win the crown. Yun naman ang aim ko. Pero siyempre kung ano ang ibigay ni Lord, kung anong ibigay ng judges, I would accept it of course,” she said.

If there is something in her that has improved, it would be her self-confidence.

She explains, “It was a challenge for me before to be positive everyday eh. I was attacked on social media. I was attacked because of my family. Alam mo yung, I joined just because I was part of a known family. Siguro ngayon I’m much stronger. And yung mindset ko is to win and just to focus there, and not to think about yung mga criticism na hindi constructive.

“Natutuhan ko yun sa sarili ko, to listen to constructive criticism, rather than those who just say stuff to break you.”

The 22-year-old daughter of Joey Marquez and Alma Moreno initially had mixed feelings about competing again, but was buoyed by the support of family, friends and her boyfriend, Kapuso star Mark Herras. It was Mark who convinced her to join Miss World Philippines.

Even her father, who initially disapproved of her desire to join beauty pageants, eventually gave in and offered his full support after she explained to him that competing in beauty pageants meant more than parading on stage in lavish gowns and skimpy swim attire.

“I explained to him that it’s not all about your physique, how you look like. It’s about voicing out something – ‘beauty with a purpose.’ And I think he realized that.”

“Coming from my dad who doesn’t like for me to join pageants, that’s something,” she said.

Aunt and former Miss International Melanie Marquez has been supportive of Wyn’s aspirations to follow her footsteps and win a beauty title from the start. The former beauty queen and model stands by her niece’s decision to compete in Miss World and promised to support her every step of the way.

Wyn recalls a previous conversation with her aunt. “Actually I was consulting her if I should join again. Isa lang yung sinabi niya sa akin. ‘Join if you want to, if your heart is set to win. Go and join.’”

Wyn has been constantly updating her Instagram with pageant updates with the hashtag #ForTheWyn, putting emphasis on her drive to win the crown.

A production of ALV Events International, the Miss World Philippines grand coronation night will take place on September 3, at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City. The event will be hosted by Iya Villania, KC Montero and Carla Abellana, with special guests Jay-R, Kris Lawrence and other surprise guests.

Aside from the country’s past Miss World Philippines titlists such as Gwendoline Ruais, Queenierich Rehman, Megan Young, Valerie Weigmann, Hillarie Parungao and Catriona Gray, this year’s pageant will also be highlighted by the presence of Miss World founder and CEO Julia Morley and her entourage.

They include reigning Miss World Stephanie del Valle, reigning Mr. World Rohit Khandelwal, Miss World Caribbean Yaritza Reyes, Miss World Asia Natasha Manuella, Miss World Americas Audra Mari, Miss World Europe Lenty Frans, Miss World Africa Evelyn Njambi, Miss World Oceania Madeline Cowe, and special guest of honor Chief Zwelivelile Mandelsizwe Mandela, the eldest grandson of former South Africa president Nelson Mandela.

source: interaksyon.com

Miss World Megan Young overwhelmed by rapturous homecoming welcome

Megan Young couldn’t help but wax emotional upon seeing the throng of well-wishers that greeted her much-anticipated homecoming at the NAIA Terminal 1 Thursday.

“These are tears of joy. I’m just really happy to be home. I’m just really happy to see everyone,” exclaimed the newly crowned Miss World 2013 during a mini-press conference upon her arrival.

The 23-year-old Filipino-American actress and film student admitted that she still couldn’t believe she was the new Miss World even after she had proceeded to London following her victory in the prestigious pageant in Bali, Indonesia.

“First time ko sa Europe. Hindi ko ma-imagine na magta-trabaho pala ako doon as Miss World. It still hasn’t sunk in to me yet,” she confessed.

As she learns more of her upcoming activities in her scheduled world tour, Megan said she now has a better understanding of the “Beauty with a Purpose” mission of the pageant.

“Ang gusto ko lang sanang hilingin, hindi lang ako ang nandidito para sa Miss World, sana lahat ng Pilipino dito at everyone worldwide kasama ko sa journey bilang Miss World. Hindi lang po ito korona, malaking bahagi ng puso bilang Miss World ang ibinabahagi namin sa buong mundo,” she pleaded.

She later revealed that she intends to raise funds for the charitable projects of Miss World, particularly for the children of Africa who have no access to clean water.

“I was very excited when they told me we were going to Kenya and Ghana because I’ve always wanted to go to those parts of Africa,” Megan said during another press conference at Solaire Resorts and Casino that preceded her homecoming victory dinner party.

As for her own countrymen, Megan’s schedule for the next four days will be capped with a charity visit to the Philippine General Hospital. She said she also hopes to do charity work for street children here while reiterating her concern for the recent typhoon victims in her hometown of Olongapo City which she will visit on Saturday.

“Para sa mga kababayan ko rin po sa Olongapo, I just hope everyone’s okay. I will visit my fellow Batang Gapo during my stay here,” she added.

Although she did not make it on time to toss the ceremonial jump ball in the equally anticipated NBA Global Game between the Houston Rockets and the Indiana Pacers, Megan was likewise greeted with loud cheers upon her arrival at the Mall of Asia Arena.

Aside from her visits to Olongapo and the PGH, Megan’s busy schedule include a courtesy call with President Noynoy Aquino at Malacañang this Friday. This will be followed by a Grand Fans Day that will commence with a motorcade victory parade from Makati to SM Mall of Asia where a meet-and-greet affair will immediately follow.

With regards to personal matters, the reigning Miss World was asked if there was anyone special in her life right now. Megan replied in the negative but did not rule out the prospects of meeting one in the course of her travels as Miss World.

Prior to her winning Miss World Philippines this year that led to her crowning as the new Miss World, Megan was romantically linked with GMA Network talent Mikael Daez. Neither Megan nor Mikael have publicly admitted being in a relationship.

Megan managed to post a lone tweet early Friday morning that expressed what it means for her to finally come home.

source: interaksyon.com

Megan Young bags Philippines’ first Miss World crown

After a long wait and several near misses, the Philippines finally won its first Miss World title as 23-year-old Megan Young, a Filipino-American actress from Olongapo, captured the coveted crown at the Bali International Convention Center in Bali, Indonesia on Saturday.

The result was posted on the Facebook page of the prestigious beauty pageant as Young bested nine other semifinalists from Brazil, Australia, France, Nepal, England, Indonesia, Spain, Jamaica and Ghana. There were a total of 131 contestants from around the world — the most in the pageant’s history.

“It’s destiny!” Miss World Phillippines franchise holder Cory Quirino said in a text message to InterAksyon. “The honor is not only Megan’s but the Philippines’. We have made history and have proven once and for all that the Filipina is the most beautiful woman in the world! Mabuhay ang Pilipinas,” she added.

Prior to her coronation, Young also figured prominently in three of the preliminary compeititions in the pageant, winning the Top Model challenge and finishing in the Top 5 of the Beach Fashion and Multimedia Award contests.

She achieved her victory despite the malicious resurfacing of her sexy photos from a March 2012 magazine shoot courtesy of what Miss World Philippines franchise holder Cory Quirino called “a smear campaign by a neglible sector of the Philippine pageant industry”.

Megan became the country’s official representative after winning the Miss World Philippines pageant last August in a lopsided contest where she swept most of its special awards, including Best in Fashion Runway, Miss Sports by FILA, Miss Reducin, Miss Olay, Miss Laguna, Miss Bold and Glamorous by Revlon, Miss Figlia and Miss Bench Body.

Also a digital filmmaking student at the De La Salle-College of St. Benilde, Megan recently appeared in the TV5 sexy drama series, “Misibis Bay” and headed the ensemble cast of the independent crime anthology, “Bang Bang Alley”.

Established in 1951, Miss World is the oldest major international beauty pageant in the world and is part of the “Big Four” international beauty pageants that also includes Miss Universe, Miss Earth and Miss International.

source: interaksyon.com

Megan Young wins Top Model challenge, boosts her chances of winning Miss World title

Notwithstanding a recently posted online news item that recalls her sexy cover shoot for the men’s magazine Rogue, Miss World Philippines 2013 Megan Young won the Top Model challenge of this year’s Miss World beauty pageant.

As posted on the prestigious beauty pageant’s official website Friday, Megan bested four other top candidates from the United States, France, Ukraine and Brazil to win the Miss Top Model title which automatically catapults her to the semifinal round of the prestigious beauty contest.

Megan also figured prominently in two other challenges in the pageant. After earlier landing in the Top 11 of the Beach Fashion competition, the 23-year-old Fil-Am charmer from Olongapo placed 5th overall in the final tally trailing the candidates from Jamaica, Ghana, France and eventual winner Miss Brazil Sancler Frantz who will also advance to the semifinals with her win.

In the Multimedia Award competition, Megan finished 4th overall behind contestants from Nepal, Thailand and winner Miss India Navneet Dhillon who also finished 9th in the Beauty with a Purpose race won by Miss Nepal Ishani Shrestia.

Megan’s sterling showing in these preliminary competitions has further bolstered her strong chances of becoming the country’s first ever Miss World title holder. Aside from Miss Brazil, Miss India and Miss Nepal, other contestants who are expected to land in the semifinals based on their showing in the challenges are Miss France Marine Lorphelin, Miss Ghana Naa Okailey Shooter, Miss Australia Erin Holland, Miss Ukraine Anna Zaiachkivska, Miss Netherlands Jacqueline Steenbeek who won the Sports and Fitness challenge and host country representative Miss Indonesia Vania Larissa who earlier won Miss Talent.

Winners of two more challenges, the World Fashion Designer Award and The People’s Champion (online voting), where Megan is ranked number two as of September 25 will be announced on the coronation night.

source: interaksyon.com

Megan Young leaves for Bali to compete in Miss World pageant

Notwithstanding talks of a possible cancellation of the Miss World beauty pageant, there was no stopping actress Megan Young in her quest to bring home the crown.

Young flew to Bali, Indonesia on Tuesday night on board Philippine Airlines flight PR537, which left the Ninoy Aquino International Airport terminal 2 at 8PM.

Before boarding her plane, she told media that she was proud to represent the Philippines in the the world’s oldest international beauty competition. She also asked her countrymen to vote for her in the ongoing online poll, a side event of the contest, at www.missworld.com.

The application is available on iStore for Apple and Google Play for
Android users.

No Filipina has won the Miss World crown. The first time an established actress represented the country in this event, Ruffa Gutierrez won the second runner-up prize (Miss World Second Princess) in 1993.

The coronation night will be held in Jakarta on September 28.

source: interaksyon.com

Celebs, fellow beauty queens toast Miss World PH Megan Young

Although it has become fairly common for showbiz personalities to join beauty contests, only Ruffa Gutierrez actually won a major title when she was already an established young actress — the Binibining Pilipinas-World title in 1993.

Hence, all this talk about Megan Young being heavily favored because of her celebrity was not unprecedented.

A rare combination of beauty, brains and spunk, the very competitive Megan had actually lost when she competed in two reality series: first in GMA’s “Starstruck” Season 2 in 2004 where her batchmates included Mike Tan, C.J. Muere, LJ Reyes and Ryza Cenon.

Then she got eliminated early in ABS-CBN’s “Pinoy Big Brother: Celebrity Edition” in 2007 where Gaby Dela Merced, Will De Vaughn, Yayo Aguila and the controversial Baron Geisler fared better.   







But there is a right time for everything and Megan finally hit her stride in the Miss World Philippines 2013 pageant on Sunday. Now 23, the Fil-Am actress never stopped persevering and kept accepting acting projects that kept her busy and allowed her to keep herself in shape in addition to learning more and more about her craft.

In one of her popular teleseryes, 2008’s “I Love Betty La Fea”, she played the younger sister of Ruffa. Five years later, she won the same title that her older TV sister won. Ruffa, like many other celebrities including several other beauty queens, was delighted with Megan’s win and was more than happy to congratulate the latter in her tweets.

The Philippines has never won the Miss World crown. Ruffa came close with her Second Princess finish 20 years ago. Will Megan finally clinch the title?

source: interaksyon.com

Miss World Yu Wenxia arrives in Manila for goodwill tour

Look who’s in town to spread cheer and goodwill in time for the Chinese New Year.


The reigning Miss World, Yu Wenxia, arrived Friday afternoon in Manila on board Malaysian Airlines flight MH704.

The Chinese beauty queen was met at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport by Miss World Philippines pageant director Cory Quirino.

Wenxia will have a meet-and-greet event at the SM Mall of Asia Music Hall on Sunday.

Her packed itinerary also includes a courtesy call with Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim, and visits to the Chinese Art Exhibition at the Manila Hotel and the Philippine General Hospital, a long-term beneficiary of the Beauty With a Purpose charity.

Wenxia, a model, was crowned Miss World 2012 last August, besting 115 contestants in a pageant held in the desert city of Ordos in the Chinese province of Inner Mongolia.

It was the second time since 2007 that a Chinese candidate won the Miss World title on home soil.

source: interaksyon.com

Fil-Pakistani Crowned Miss World-Philippines

MANILA, Philippines --- A 23-year-old Filipina-Pakistani candidate was crowned 2012 Miss World Philippines in a glittering televised beauty contest at the historic landmark Manila Hotel last Sunday night.

Queenierich Rehman, of Las Piñas City, bested 24 other candidates and earned the right to represent the Philippines in the 62nd Miss World beauty pageant to be held in Ordos, Inner Mongolia, China on Aug. 18, 2012. The Miss World contest is said to be the longest running beauty contest.

This is the second time in a row that a former Binibining Pilipinas candidate captured the Miss World crown. Last year, Gwendolyn Ruais, half French, won the Miss World Philippines title.

Rehman joined the 2011 Bb. Pilipinas beauty pageant won by Miss Universe third runner-up Shamcey Supsup. That year, Rehman also made the Top 15 semi-finalists and won the Best In Swimsuit award, the same special award she won in this year’s Miss World Philippines contest.

Ruais, who won First Princess in the 2011 Miss World beauty contest, was among the Top semifinalists in the 2010 Bb. Pilipinas beauty pageant won by eventual Miss Universe 3rd runner-up Ma. Venus Raj.

Rehman won P1 million cash, a car and other prizes from this year’s sponsors. She stands 5’7” and measures 33-25-34.

Aside from winning Best In Swimsuit, she also bagged seven special awards --- Miss Pantene, Miss AMA Beauty and Brains, Miss Photogenic, Miss Talent, Miss Philippines Prudential, and Miss World Traveler.

Rehman impressed the judges in the Q&A portion in which the Top 5 candidates answered questions from Tweets. The question she picked was: “As an ambassador of the Philippines, what are the best features of your country that you can project to the world?”

Rehman answered: “I believe that wherever you will go here in the Philippines, it’s not the islands that make us special but of course the Filipinos who have warm hospitality, who are having smiles on their faces, and of course who will treat all foreigners the love and respect, and hospitality that they can give to them. I believe that the Philippines is a country that we can be proud of.”

The beauty queen graduated at the Assumption College in Makati City. Her hobbies include Internet surfing, cooking, basketball, playing video games and singing.

Rehman attended high school at Southville International School. During high school and college, she was a varsity player in basketball. She was even named Rookie of the Year during college.

Asked what she will do after the pageant, Rehman said: “I’ll eat as much as I can. I will rest the whole day.’’

First Princess was Maryanne Ross Misa, 23, of Paranaque City. Misa also made the Top 10 cut of the 2010 Bb. Pilipinas pageant.

Misa, who stands 5’10,” picked the question “Have you ever been bullied? What can you advise people who are often bullied.’’

She answered: “Yes, I have been bullied back in my childhood days. And it just motivated me to prove those people wrong because I think if you have the dignity in yourself and the strong will that you can do things and people don’t think that you can, I think that’s what’s going to make you successful in life.’’

Second Princess was Vanessa Claudine Amman who, observers said, was one of the surprises in the Top 5 semifinals. She won special awards such as Miss Friendship, Miss Laguna World, and Miss MyPhone World.

Third Princess was April Love Jordan, 23, of Tondo, Manila. Like Misa and Rehman, Jordan was also a heavy favorite for the crown. Her special awards were Miss Manila Hotel, Best In Long Gown, and Miss OraCare.

Jordan, also a Bb. Pilipinas semifinalist in 2009, won the 1st International Beauty and Model Festival held in Beijing, China the same year. She bested 49 other international contestants.

Fourth Princess was Brenna Cassandra Gamboa. She was a recipient of special awards such as Best In Fashion Runaway, and Miss Manny O’ Wine.

Other winners of special awards included Marie Loraine De Guzman (tied with Rehman), Miss Talent; and Vania Valeri Vispo, People’s Choice.

Other candidates who made the Top 12 semifinalists were De Guzman, Vispo, Mariver Ocampo, Rufaida Babudin, Carla Terina Lizardo, Kaye Wigand, and Paulina Eliseeff.

Members of the Board of Judges included Manila Hotel President Atty. Jose “Joey” Lina, Becky Garcia, actress Lorna Tolentino, Ma. Fe Perez Agudo, top photographer Raymund Isaac, athlete James Younghusband, Sen. Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr., Melinda Reyes, Robert Barerro, Emmanuel Lorenzana, and Clint Navales, among others.

Miss World is the only major beauty contest in which the Philippines has not won yet. The highest ranking the country has achieved in the pageant was First Princess won by Evangeline Pascual in 1973, the same title won by Ruais last year.

The reigning Miss World is Ivian Sarcos of Venezuela.

source: mb.com.ph

Miss World Philippines official candidates presented; Arci Muñoz withdraws

Even as she laments the sudden withdrawal of TV5 princess Arci Muñoz from the Miss World Philippines 2012 competition, pageant director Cory Quirino is still excited about the 25 official candidates who made the final cut.

During the formal presentation of the final 25 at the Manila Hotel Thursday afternoon, Quirino revealed that Arci had joined the pageant without the network’s knowledge.

“She actually made it to the Top 25 but when I found out that she has a live contract with TV5, I told her and her mom that she cannot fulfill her obligations to Miss World Philippines because of her contract with the network,” revealed the president and CEO of Miss World Philippines franchise holder CQ Global Quest. “Even her manager, Annabelle Rama, told her na hindi talaga puwede.”

Quirino stressed that TV5 did not want to stop Arci from pursuing her dream of becoming a beauty queen. It was Arci’s decision to ultimately back out of the pageant after the young actress realized she still had commitments to the network that she needs to honor first.

“But I told her she can join again next year. I can see from her eyes that she really wanted to win Miss World Philippines,” Quirino said.

That aside, Quirino said she has high hopes about this year’s batch of official candidates which just might include the country’s very first Miss World title-holder in the 61-year history of the oldest major international pageant.

“The closest we ever came to the title was in 1973 when Evangeline Pascual won first runner up and then last year when Gwendoline Ruais was adjudged as 1st Princess,” she pointed out.

Along with Ruais and her Miss World Philippines 2011 court, Quirino had selected the candidates during a rigorous final screening that included competitions in casualwear, swimsuit and evening wear plus a brief question and answer portion.

Quirino and Ruais describe the final 25 as “a diverse mix of morena, mestiza and exotic beauties who are all very smart.”

This year’s official candidates are Brenna Cassandra Gamboa (22, from Laurel, Batangas); April Love Jordan (23, from Tondo, Manila); Rufaida Babudin (20, from Palawan); Marie Loraine Dione de Guzman (24, from Sta. Mesa, Manila); Kaye Michelle Agnes (24, from Sorsogon, Bicol);

Kaye Wigand (19, from Puerto Galera, Mindoro); Vanessa Claudine Ammann (23, from Lapu-Lapu City); Roshiela Tungol (24, from Angeles City, Pampanga); Mariz Ong (20, from Echague, Isabela); Carla Jenina Lizardo (22, from Bagong Ilog, Pasig City);
Vania Valiry Vispo (24, from Pasig City); Paulina Eliseeff (20, from Quezon City); Mary Anne Ross Misa (23, from Paranaque City); Mariver Ocampo (19, from Paombong, Bulacan); Daphne Tania Molinaar (17, from Bacolod City);

Paula Rich Bartolome (21, from Sta. Cruz, Laguna); Maria Teresita Baccay (21, from Cabanatuan City, Nueva Ecija); Maham Ahmed (17, from San Carlos City, Pangasinan); Rizzini Alexis Gomez (21, from Cordova City, Cebu); Larah Grace Lacap (18, from Batasan Hills, Quezon City);

Fer Mary Baliquig (20, from Tagbilaran, Bohol); Queeneerich Rehman (23, from Las Pinas City); Lara Lee Sarino (21, from Negros Occidental), Natacha Kristel Peugniez (17, from Muntinlupa City) and Maria Danna Javier (19, from Malabon City).

“It was not an easy task selecting the final 25 and it was a collective decision on the panel’s part and not just Ms. Cory after we all consulted each other,” Ruais added.

A closer look at the official candidates revealed that many of them have already won in beauty pageants staged in their respective localities while others have either joined or have won in other national pageants.

There’s Carla Jenina Lizardo who was Mutya ng Pilipinas Intecontinental in 2010. Fer Mary Baliquig was an official candidate of the recent Bb Pilipinas 2012. Brenna Cassandra Gamboa was a contestant in Miss Philippines Earth 2011 where she even won Best In Long Gown.

April Love Jordan is described in her Facebook fan page as “a seasoned beauty queen” who participated and did well in the Mutya, Miss Philippines Earth and Bb Pilipinas tiffs in the past in addition to winning in international pageants like the Miss International Beauty and Model Festival held in China in 2009.

And then there’s recent Miss Lions Mutya Rufaida Babudin who, Quirino said, came straight from a tribe in Palawan. Babudin, an exotic type in the Venus Raj mold, got some of the loudest applause among the candidates and was even cited by Quirino during the open forum with the press as one who does not speak Tagalog and English well but is very deserving to be in the pageant.

The Miss World Philippines 2012 Coronation Night will be aired live on TV5 on June 24 at the Manila Hotel and will be hosted by “Game ‘N’ Go” host Edu Manzano and former Miss World 2nd Princess Ruffa Gutierrez.

source: interaksyon.com