“For this year’s inaugural pageant, we have gathered a good batch of candidates. And I’m pretty proud of them. We are now readily excited to share our meaningful advocacy with them and have prepared a series of workshops and activities to make a better version of themselves, and hopefully be more knowledgeable on how to be financially independent in the future.”

Meiji Cruz, Miss CosmoWorld 2022 & Miss CosmoWorld Philippines 2022 (Chairperson/Franchise Holder)
Last July 16, 2023, at Platform Events Place (Newport World Resorts), 21 candidates from different parts of the country were chosen during the final screening of Miss CosmoWorld Philippines (MCWPh) 2023. The panel of judges, led by Ms. Meiji Cruz, Miss CosmoWorld 2022 and the chairperson and franchise holder of Miss CosmoWorld Philippines 2023, chose seventeen beauties during the actual physical screening, and an additional four from the provinces who passed the online screening. The girls are now more than eager to start their journey for the national title and eventually grab the chance to win a Php1 million cash prize and wear a crown to be designed by Manny Halasan worth Php2 million. And more importantly, she will have the utmost opportunity to represent our country in the Miss CosmoWorld 2023 to be held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, later this year, and will win US$100,000.00.

The official candidates and the places they represent are, namely, Aliya Clemena Rahman Khan Rohilla (Albay), Amanda-Kay Rhodes (Makati City), Angelli Mae Lim Garcia (Mandaue City, Cebu), Anis Fatima Natividad Azees (Ilocos Sur), Carmella Joy Fontanilla Cuaresma (Aurora Province), Elda Louise Aznar (Davao del Sur), Gezza Ilagan Avila (Quezon Province), Jasmine Orquico Omay (Surigao del Sur), Lara Melissa Gaffud (Santiago City, Isabela), Larsine Grace Orain Jensen (Bohol), Lianne Elizabeth Tabirara Duque (Laguna), Lienel Pena Navidad (Albay), Maribelle Castillo Manalili (Zambales), Mary Josephine Paaske (Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu), Rian Maclyn Ledesma Dela Cruz (Malolos City, Bulacan), Roella Frias Solis (Calumpit, Bulacan), Samantha Dana G. Bug-os (Occidental Mindoro), Sheryl Patalinhog Velez (Mandaluyong City), Thanamae Rojas Cahilig (Minglanilla, Cebu), Valerie Mae Guillermo (Santa Ignacia, Tarlac), and Vivian Vargas Hernandez (Quezon City).
As part of their incessant quest for a transformative and empowered beauty queen, MCWP has lined up a series of workshops and personality development seminars to equip the ladies with a significant change in their lives. From August 9 to August 12, 2023, these activities were made at the KF Camp training center: “How Money Will Work for You” (Financial Literacy Class conducted by Arma Avendano Bacar); “Cultivating Poise and Social Graces (A Masterclass in Visual Poise and Social Graces by Ning Corteza); “Your Best Face Forward” (Makeup Techniques Workshop by Gio Flores); “The Queenly Moves” (Pasarela Training by Rodgil Flores Kuya Enan and Ms. Meiji Cruz); and, “Celebrating You” (A Life Dynamics Workshop on Communication and Confidence by Dr. Jace Chiong).

Panel of judges during the final screening last July 16, 2023 at The Platform Events Place, Newport World Resorts. (L-R) Rodin Flores, Gerry Diaz, Joee Guilas, Mark Neto Diaz, Janelle Tee, Meiji Cruz, Alexandra Faith Garcia, Demiee Grace Sy, Alexandra Mae Rosales, Niña Campos and Jen Domingo.
In the succeeding weeks, more activities and pre-pageant events will be unveiled to celebrate beauty and women empowerment. The candidates will be attending some provincial festivals and visiting historical sites to unleash the improved self of Filipino womanhood and inclusivity. Event director and organizer Rodgil Flores of Kagandahang Flores (KF) Camp is the national director of MCWP.