21 Pinays aim to represent the country at MGI and MGI All Stars

MANILA, Philippines, July 17 ------ The sashing ceremony of beauty pageants signals the start of the competition. Reina Filipinas did such an event a few days ago and revealed its roster of candidates. And the selection of the country’s representatives at the Miss Grand International (MGI) and MGI (Miss Grand International) All Stars has begun.

Aiming to wear the Philippine sash in these Thailand-based global beauty pageants are Vherciandy Santos of Bataan; Bianca Mae Bautista, Bulacan; Luisa Lorin Benavides, Caloocan; Isabella Ortega, Camarines Sur; Ronalyn Valeza, Ilocos Sur; Alexie Caimoso Brooks, Iloilo City; Frezle Juana Verzo, Koronadal, South Cotabato; Reign Gale Nejal, La Union; Zeah Nestle Pala, Mandaluyong; and Anne Patricia Lorenzo Diaz, Manila.

Sharing the same aspiration are Cassandra de Jesus of Mariveles, Bataan; Scarlett de Mesa, Muntinlupa; Jesree Einz Aguilar, Nueva Ecija; Angelica Lopez, Palawan; Sahara Bernales, Pampanga; Shaira May Soria, Pangasinan; Kristen Marcelino, Pateros; Precious Faith Paulo, Quezon City; Jade Isabel Candilado, Rizal; Hanna Michaela Amistad, San Mateo, Rizal; and Cleopatra Barrera, Zambales.

Reina Filipinas candidates Alexie of Iloilo City, Anne Patricia of Manila and Angelica of Palawan represented the country in the past: Alexie was crowned Miss Eco International 2025, while Anne Patricia had a Top 6 finish at the Miss International Queen 2025. Angelica was the Philippine bet at Miss International 2024. Pageant enthusiasts are looking forward to seeing these veterans and their fellow candidates in the various rounds of competition — from swimsuits, evening gowns and questions and answers.

They also perhaps want to know how these beauties will fare and impress the judges and the team behind Reina Filipinas. These women are also aware of the 4 B’s that define a winner of MGI and MGI All Stars, as one may put it. They are “beauty, body, brains and business (the potential to embark on and succeed in a chosen field).” If one of them is used to a certain pageant system, one needs to retool or rebrand oneself.

Reina Filipinas president Jojo Bragais said in a brief chat that he’s looking for someone who is ready and knows the other aspects of pageantry. But once they’ve become part of Reina Filipinas, the candidates may foray into endeavors like doing films and TV series, as well as commercials since Bragais TV will make its return.

“For those who would like to be entrepreneurs, I could teach them to do business, and along the way, we could also finance them to have their own brands,” said he, the man behind Jojo Bragais shoe brand. “Halimbawa naging negosyante sila, from former contestants, sila naman ngayon ang magiging business partners namin, so alam mo yung ganun.”

Before the grand reveal of the candidates, the reigning Miss Grand International, Emma Mary Tiglao, also the national director of Reina Filipinas, shared during the program that “I pledge to help you grow in confidence and become a woman of purpose. Tutulong po ako sa abot ng aking makakaya.”

Source: philstar.com