Mayor Erap and the beauties of Manila

MANILA, Philippines - It was truly an afternoon of beauty and elegance as the 33 candidates for Miss Manila 2016 gathered for the pageant’s press presentation at the Manila Diamond Hotel last June 15.

Now on its third year under the helm of Manila Mayor Joseph “Erap” Estrada, Miss Manila 2016 is the consolidated effort of the City of Manila, MARE Foundation and Viva Live to crown the woman who will be the epitome of a true-blooded Manileña; one who is not only confidently beautiful but possesses genuine care, compassion and concern for the City of Manila.

The event saw the Manileña beauties all poised in their blue and orange swimwear as they paraded at the poolside of the hotel. The gorgeous ladies were then able to formally introduce themselves at the event proper at the Diamond Ballroom of the hotel, where they also answered a few questions from members of the press. Also present at the event were Viva Live, Inc.’s president Vic del Rosario, MARE Foundation chairperson and pageant director Jackie Ejercito, reigning Miss Manila Kaycie Lyn Fajardo, Jonas Gaffud, chief of Manila Tourism Liz Villaseñor and Councilor Jerianne Ejercito-Peña.

For this year’s roster of candidates, Jackie said that the bar has been raised high in terms of training, qualifications and screening of the candidates. The pre-pageant event revealed several achievers from the batch, which includes several cum laudes, scholars and student leaders, as well as working professionals. Additionally, the ladies underwent training under the supervision of Jonas.

The pageant’s Grand Coronation Night will be held on Araw ng Maynila, June 24, 7 p.m. at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) with hosts Edu Manzano and KC Concepcion, and a later telecast on TV5. Proceeds of the pageant will benefit MARE Foundation, a non-profit institution. The winner will receive P500,000 and a contract with Viva, as well as the opportunity to represent the City of Manila in different functions, events and charity programs.