The 40 beauties hoping to be crowned Miss World Philippines 2019 were presented to the press on Thursday afternoon.
They are also vying for the five other titles at stake at the pageant: Miss Eco Philippines, Miss Multinational Philippines, Reina Hispanoamericana Filipinas, and two new titles, Miss Eco Teen International and Miss Philippines Tourism.
Among the early standouts at the pageant are stars Michelle Dee, Kelley Day, and Isabelle de Leon.
During the press presentation, all three were asked whether they find their celebrity status an advantage in the competition.
Kelley, the first to answer the question, reflected on the pros and cons of being a celebrity in a beauty pageant.
She said, “We have a pressure in a sense that people expect a lot from us because we’re used to being in front of the camera or we’re used to memorizing lines, whatever it might be, talking to people, talking to press.”
“But, I think, everyone has their own pressure. We are fair game, fair game for everyone,” she added.
Michelle agreed with Kelley, saying that having relatives who are also well-known beauty queens makes it a lot more challenging for her.
The 22-year-old Psychology graduate said, “It does have its pros and cons but, honestly, we’re in a room full of beautiful and talented people.”
Michelle is the daughter of Melanie Marquez who won the Philippines’ third Miss International crown in 1979. She is also the cousin of Winwyn Marquez who made history for being the first Filipina to win the Latina-dominated Reina Hispanoamericana pageant in 2017.
Isabelle echoed the statements of Michelle and Kelley, and added this message, “There are pros and there cons but at the end of the day, we all have to enjoy and the people will see that when we’re on stage.”
The grand coronation night of Miss World Philippines will be on Sept. 15, Sunday, at the Araneta Coliseum, Quezon City. The winner will compete in the Miss World pageant happening on December 14 in London, England. (Push)
