FORTY lovely Binibining Pilipinas 2014 candidates were presented to the media recently at the Luzon Ballroom of the Sofitel Philippine Plaza Hotel in Manila recently, and among the standouts is the pride of the Fil-Am community of Stockton, CA—Joy Antonette Diaz. “Jonette” to her family and friends, is candidate #9 in the final and official roster of candidates.
A gradual of AB Political Science at the University of California-Irvine, she joined and won the Miss Philippines USA Tourism title. For this competition, she tasked noted trainer John De La Vega to further hone her pageant skills.
John “Joel” Diaz, Joy’s father (whose roots were from Paoay, Ilocos Norte and Dagupan, Pangasinan who later live in Quezon City before migrating here in the US), in an exclusive interview last weekend by Bay Area-based pageant producer Bradford Adkins, confirmed that Joy is a niece of the Philippine’s first Miss Universe winner, Gloria Diaz. Joel also mentioned further that Maritoni Diaz (related to the De Venecia political clan), his wife and their two other older children – JM and Joanne, together with the whole Diaz clan from the US, will fly this weekend to Manila to support Joy’s quest for that most prestigious beauty title.
Judging the pageant this year is no less than the reigning Miss Universe, Maria Gabriela Isler of Venezuela. In addition, Russian pop star Emin is performing and the president of the Miss Universe Organization, Paula Shugart will also attend the event.
A benefit fashion show featuring the Bb. Pilipinas candidates was presented last March 6, while the traditional Parade of Beauties is send on March 22.
Coronation is set for March 30 at the SMART Araneta Coliseum, telecasted by ABS-CBN.
Will Joy win one of the prestigious crowns at stake (Universe, International, Supranational and Tourism)? We’ll find out at the coronation night! For now, we bid Joy good luck!
