HIGHLIGHTS: Miss Philippines 2023 coronation night
Bulacan's Alethea Ambrosio was crowned winner at the first-ever Miss Philippines.
Pauline Amelinckx, who was also the first runner-up in the Miss Supranational international competition, crowned her successor during the Miss Philippines coronation night held on Tuesday, Oct. 24 at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
The new pageant—founded by Miss Universe Universe Philippines national director and former titleholder Shamcey Supsup, and MUPH creative and events director Jonas Gaffud—is dubbed as the "most ground-breaking national competition."
The delegates underwent a number of changes to the traditional pageant format, including a Cannes Film Festival-inspired red carpet segment for formal wear and a "TED Talks-style" speech. In keeping with its goal of "reinventing" the pageantry world, the organizer has omitted the swimsuit competition.
Three Filipina beauty queens served as hosts for the evening, including Miss Universe Philippines 2020 Rabiya Mateo, Miss Universe 2021 Beatrice Luigi Gomez, and Miss Charm Philippines 2023 Annabelle McDonnell, together with model Andre Brouillette.
Performers included Sam Concepcion, Gigi de Lana and the Gigi Vibes, Fourth Nattawat Jirochtikul, and SB19's Josh Cullen.
Bulacan's Alethea Ambrosio named The Miss Philippines 2023
Alethea Ambrosio from Bulacan is the winner of The Miss Philippines 2023.
She will take over the reign of Pauline Amelinckx, the inaugural titleholder of The Miss Philippines and who was also the first runner-up in the Miss Supranational international competition.
The other final candidates—Isabelle de los Santos from Mandaluyong City, Chantal Elise Legaspi Schmidt from Cebu City, and Blessa Ericha Figueroa from Northern California—are set to be the representatives at their own respective pageants. They will be crowned in a separate event in February 2024.
Pauline Amelinckx takes her final walk
Before she handed her crown to her successor, Pauline Amelinckx, the appointed Miss Philippines and Miss Supranational 2023 First Runner-up, bid farewell to her reign as she graced the pageant’s stage for her farewell walk.
During her final strut, the Boholana beauty queen donned a gorgeous orange gown and took time to emphasize the lessons she had learned throughout her pageant journey.
"Winning is not about the crown, but it's about the love that you feel," she said.
She also received the "Woman of Substance Award" handed by Miss Supranational 2023 Andrea Aguilar.
SB19's Josh Cullen rocks MOA Arena
Josh Cullen, the one-fifth of the P-pop powerhouse SB19, rocked the MOA Arena with his groovy performance and power vocals.
Wearing a red glittery coat and pants, the solo artist made the audience dance to the rhythm of his trap-laden beat single Wild Tonight.
Miss Philippines names Top 4 finalists
We are a step closer to meeting the Miss Philippines 2023 as the pageant has announced the final four candidates vying for the crown. They are:
- Isabelle de los Santos - Mandaluyong
- Chantal Elise Legaspi Schmidt - Cebu City
- Blessa Ericha Figueroa - Northern California
- Alethea Ambrosio - Bulacan
The Top 4 candidates displayed their intelligence in a TED Talks-style question-and-answer portion of the pageant. They were given one minute and 30 seconds to share their thoughts on the question: "What to you is the true identity of a Filipino, and how do you intend to promote it to the world?"
Miss PH queens serve elegance and grace during the evening gown portion
The Miss Philippines 2023 Top 10 candidates were a spectacle for the eyes during the pageant’s evening gown segment which the organizer previously described as a "red-carpet moment similar to the Cannes Film Festival."
The semi-finalists also captured the hearts of the audience through their charming smiles and graceful walks as they showcased their embellished gowns crafted by their chosen designers.
The other 11 candidates who didn't make it to the cut also showcased their evening gowns.
Fourth Nattawat serenades his Pinoy fans
Thai superstar Fourth Nattawat electrified the crowd at MOA Arena with his performance, including his rendition of Zack Tabudlo's Give Me Your Forever.
The 19-year-old actor, who is best known for his lead roles in My School President and F4 Thailand: Boys Over Flowers, had fans swooning over his good looks and talent.
Miss Philippines names the Top 10 finalists
The 21 candidates dazzled the night as they walked the runway in their red short dresses by fashion designer Mikee Andrei.
Rabiya and Andre introduced the selection panel, including pageant veterans Venus Raj, Shamcey Supsup-Lee, and Neil Perez, and showbiz personality Tim Yap.
Rabiya then proceeded to name the 10 lucky ladies who would advance to the next round. They are:
- Izobel Taguiam - Cebu Province
- Raniele Shaine Saulog - IloIlo City
- Isabelle de los Santos - Mandaluyong City
- Leigh Danielle Sunga - Pampanga
- Hanna Uyan - Southern California
- Chantal Elise Legaspi Schmidt - Cebu City
- Issha Rose Mata - Hawaii
- Blessa Ericha Figueroa - Northern California
- Vincy Trish Cordova - Cavite (People's Choice Awardee)
- Alethea Ambrosio - Bulacan
After being called, Andre interviewed the Top 10 finalists and they each answered questions about themselves including their career.
Four Miss Philippines delegates receive special awards
The Miss Philippines 2023 kicked off with a video of the 21 candidates introducing themselves while wearing bright-colored Filipiniana dresses.
Right after, the hosts, Andre Brouillette and Rabiya Mateo, named the delegates who will be taking home the special awards and a slew of prizes from sponsors. They are:
- Miss Kemans: Blessa Ericha Fugueroa - Northern California
- Miss Hello Glow: Isabelle de los Santos - Mandaluyong
- Miss Ever Bilena: Chantal Elise Legaspi Schmidt - Cebu City
- Miss Fairy Skin: Chantal Elise Legaspi Schmidt - Cebu City
- Miss Great Lengths: Isabelle de los Santos - Mandaluyong
Gigi de Lana and the Gigi Vibes perform songs by Michael Jackson
Gigi de Lana and the Gigi Vibes joined The Filipino Festival with a cover of songs by Michael Jackson.
The band performed their version of Beat It, The Way You Make Me Feel, The Girl Is Mine, I Just Can't Stop Loving You, Rock With You, You Are Not Alone, Human Nature, They Don't Care About Us, Black or White.
Gigi also sang Sana Ngayong Pasko by Arnel Rivera and Angel Baby by Troye Sivan.
"We are so grateful to be here right now. Thank you for having us," Gigi said, joking "Pangarap kong rumampa diyan eh, kinulang lang ako sa height."
Guam's Brandon Espiritu hailed as Mister Philippines 2023
Modelpreneur Brandon Espiritu from Guam was hailed as Mister Philippines 2023 in the recently concluded Mister Pilipinas Worldwide 2023, besting 16 other candidates. He was crowned by Mister Supranational Philippines Johannes Rissler.
All of the Top 6 candidates are automatic title holders and will compete in their respective pageants. The titles of the remaining five finalists shall be announced in a separate awarding ceremony this February 2024.
Among the Top 6 are Anthony Cunningham of the United Kingdom, Jordan San Juan of Bulacan, Justine Ong of Tacloban, Emerson Gomez of Tarlac, and Dom Corilla, California.
Meanwhile, the Filipino Festival also celebrated musicians, fashion designers, and filmmakers including Lyndon Dalida, who emerged as the Best Fashion Designer.
Higit Pa sa Ganda by Allen Cecilio, Rein Hilary, Diwa-Joana, Marie Crisanto, and Adrian Crisanto bagged the Best Song Award, while Taymsa (One Moment) helmed by Alfonso Adrian Cerna clinched the Best Short Film Award.
The Filipino Festival 2023 has officially started
The Filipino Festival 2023 has begun with a performance by Sam Concepcion of his latest single Otomatika together with the Miss Philippines 2023 and Mister Pilipinas Worldwide 2023 delegates.
Adding to the hype are Rabiya Mateo, Beatrice Luigi Gomez, Annabelle Mcdonnell, and model Andre Brouilette who welcomed the audience to the inaugural edition of the pageant.
The historic event was also graced by Miss Supranational 2023 Andrea Aguilar, Mr. International 2023 Kim Goodburn, and Miss Asia Pacific International 2019 Chaiyenne Huisman.
The show started with the coronation night of Mister Pilipinas Worldwide 2023
