Beauty with a cause

Manila, Philippines - Beauty may be fleeting but its lasting effect is felt once it is used for the good of others.

Nineteen lovely ladies vie not only to be the most beautiful but to spread the gospel of community service through the Miss Lions Clubs International-Philippines 2012.

Organized by the Lions Club International MD 301 Philippines, in cooperation with Miss World Philippines, Miss Earth Philippines and Mutya ng Pilipinas, Inc., the Miss Lions Coronation Night will be held on May 24 at the Centennial Hall of the Manila Hotel.

The talented and upstanding contestants, who come from different Lions Districts of Multiple District 301 across the country, include Amanda Arbitrario, Pristine Joy Cunanan, Merocel Loreta, Ge Ann Pilapil, Zoj Daphne Usita, Kumi Miyamae, Darlene Hipolito, Jaymarose Marasigan, Maretony Baldoza, Mikki Sachiko Flores, Gabrielle Tilokani, Mae Angeline Cajucom, Jessica Arqueza, Jennyline Malpaya, Ethel Jane Catchuela, Paula Camille Marciano, Ria delos Santos, Rufaida Babudin and Larah Grace Lacap.

In cooperation with fashion designer Arielle Agasang, Lions presented the ladies in a pre-pageant program and fashion show last April 21 at the Aqua Lounge Poolside and Cafe Passion of the Sulo Riviera Hotel in Quezon City. This was for the benefit of Lions Sanctuary in San Nicolas, Batangas, a soon-to-be tourist destination in Taal Lake Island.

Lions MD 301 council chairman Robert Roque, Jr. said the winner will be an “ambassador of goodwill to spread social awareness to what the Lions is all about and what we Lions do for the world.” More than a battle of beauty, the Miss Lions Club International Philippines is a way to express community service, particularly caring for the environment, he added.

The Miss Lions Club International Philippines was initiated by the Lions of MD 301 Philippines, through the incumbent council of governors and their first ladies, composed of Gov. Anton Wong Lim of 301-A1, Gov. Alexander Manguba and Lady Marlan of 301-A2; Gov. Antonio Uy and Lady Julyn of 301-B1; Gov. Climaco Evangelista and Lady Carmela of 301-B2; Gov. Jorge Pingol and Lady Lily of 301-D1; Gov. Felix Tienzo and Lady Esther of 301-D2; Gov. Westly Rosario and Lady Joy of 301-C; Gov. Adrian Lambo and Lady Elva of 301-E; and council chairman Robert Roque, Jr. and Lady Cristina.

(From left) Jessica Arqueza, Jennyline Malpaya, Ethel Jane Catchuela, Paula Camille Marciano and Ria delos Santos in Arielle Agasang.

The pageant was conceptualized by and is under the chairmanship of Marlan Manguba, multi-awarded Lions leader and wife of Gov. Alexander Manguba of District 301-A2, among many others. Marlan explained, “Aside from the main advocacy on environment, this is also to promote and develop the youth, nurture their talents and skills, and to leave a mark in the history of the Philippine Lions not only through community services but also through this fun activity that involves people from all walks of life working together to achieve a common goal.” 

Pageant vice chair PDG Baby Ortiz added, “This activity will generate awareness of the multiple district tree planting project dubbed as the Lions Sanctuary in Taal Lake Island, San Nicolas, Batangas — an on-going reforestation project.”

Lions Club International, the world’s largest service organization with 1.4 million members around the globe, was formed when in 1917, Melvin Jones, a 38-year-old Chicago business leader, told members of his local business club they should reach beyond business issues and address the betterment of their communities and the world. After contacting similar groups around the US, an organizational meeting was held on June 7, 1917 in Chicago, Illinois. The new group took the name of one of the invited groups, the Association of Lions Clubs, and a national convention was held in Dallas, Texas in October of that year. Within three years, Lions became an international organization. Since then, the organization has been earning high marks for both integrity and transparency with a vision to be a global leader in community and humanitarian service. The Lions Club has been known in its fight against blindness. Its programs are remarkably varied — from education to disaster relief, from youth to health and wellness.

The pageant is sponsored by Anchor Land Holdings, Inc., Pro Couture Frontliner Timeless, Benn Monyography, Ever Bilena, Blackwater for Men, The Fashion Academy Manila, The Sulo Riviera Hotel, The Manila Hotel, Arielle Agasang House of Couture, Slimmers World, The Camworx Production, Red Damien Studios, Regency Lagoon Resort, RCBC, Dr. Charlie Mendez, Adam and Eve, Jojie Simpauco Salon, Reyes Haircutters and Konsepto Photos.

(Those interested in joining as sponsors or exhibitor of the pageant, please contact the marketing team at 984-8138 or 379-6406 or e-mail events.marketingteam@gmail.com.)

(For inquiries and ticket sales for the Grand Coronation Night at Manila Hotel, please call 436-1500, telefax 300-0327, mobile nos. 0915-5832890, 0923-8505649 or 0921-5650918, or e-mail gomslions2012@gmail.com or alistcouture@gmail.com.)