WATCH: 2018 Miss World Philippines candidates in swimwear

MANILA, Philippines — From over 70 applicants all over the country, Miss World Philippines has trimmed down its official candidates to 40.

The 40 candidates recently showcased their bikini bodies and walk in a press presentation at Resorts World Manila.

Apart from celebrities such as Miss Earth Air 2017 and former “Pinoy Big Brother” housemate Kim De Guzman, Century Tuna Superbods 2018 winner Maureen Montagne, singer Alyssa Muhlach, TV5 actress

Chanel Morales, Miss World Philippines 2016 First Princess Arienne Calingo, and Miss InterContinental 2017 first runner-up Katarina Rodriguez, candidates such as Pearl Hung of Palawan are popular among fans during the press presentation.

Following the victory of last year’s winners Teresita Ssen “Winwyn” Marquez (Reina Hispanoamericana 2017), Sophia Senoron (Miss Multinational 2017) and Cynthia Thomalla (Miss Eco International 2018), this year’s Miss World Philippines will be bigger in terms of diversity among candidates, prizes and production value, assured National Director Arnold Vegafria.

“We’re having a hard time to choose the best because all of the candidates are qualified to win,” he enthused.

This year, the pageant also plans to bestow two additional titles, whose winners will be sent off to an old and a new international pageant.

He divulged that they also invited top models from abroad as judges, as well as the reigning Mr. and Miss World.

According to him, their criteria for judging the winners, besides good looks, would include good moral character, pleasing personality, and sense of responsibility and advocacy.

As part of the preliminaries, the candidates will participate in a gala night at Resorts World Manila on October 2; swimsuit competition in El Nido, Palawan from September 18 to 21; fitness challenge in Quezon City on September 24; and a fashion show on September 26.

“Show us who you are and your purpose for joining,” Thomalla challenged the candidates.

“Be yourself, but also have fun,” Senoron advised the new set of aspirants. “Make friends. Yes, it’s a competition, but the family you’ll make will last you a lifetime.” — Video by EC Toledo IV