Meet Mr. and Miss RP 2018 winners

MANILA, Philippines — The Mr. and Miss Republic of the Philippines 2018 winners were crowned at the Grand Ballroom of Sofitel Philippine Plaza on Feb. 1. From left): Excelsa de Jesus (Miss RP-International), John Carlo Morales and Thamara Alexandria Pacursa (Mr. and Miss RP-Luzon), Dennis Malones and Cindy Dumol (Mr. and Miss RP 2018), Jay Lester Abrenica and Patricia Mae Baratilla (Mr. and Miss RP-Visayas), and Jedryk Costes and Chariss Jedidiah Gusay (Mr. and Miss RP-Mindanao)

CEO/president Lynette Padolina and chairman Dr. Romulo Aromin Jr. said that Malones and Dumol will grace Philippine Independence Day celebrations overseas and all winners will travel to key destinations in the country to help promote tourism and culture. They received cash prizes, scholarship grants and gifts from sponsors. Padolina revived the Miss RP pageant in 2015 after its 39-year hiatus. Joy Conde was the last Miss RP titleholder, crowned in 1976.