Forty candidates, all stunning Filipinas, are vying for Miss Filipina International (MFI) 2023, it was announced Sunday, June 18, in a glamorous press presentation at the Oasis Terrace of The Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills, California.
Representing various states across America and several countries, including Canada, the United Kingdom and the Philippines, the 40 candidates will compete in the pageant which salutes the Filipina – multi-faceted, talented, versatile and confident.
MFI climaxes with an exciting and elegant black tie coronation night on August 5 at the famous International Ballroom of The Beverly Hilton. The night will celebrate the Philippines and its people, rich culture, arts and fashion, gathering Filipinos and guests in the prestigious ballroom, the venue of the Golden Globe Awards, the Academy nominees luncheon, Clive Davis’ pre-Grammy party and other high profile events.
After months of the selection process, the following are the MFI official candidates, listed by their numbers (randomly drawn by the contestants in a raffle) in the pageant:
- Hannah Pearcey
- Matea Smith
- Alexia Reign Hernandez
- Jesse Grace Felix Soriano
- Raphaella Del Rosario
- Rylen Steinbuch
- Brooke Barredo
- Claudia Vidanes
- Denisse Nicole Samaniego
- Patricia Bianca Tapia
- Janessa Gwen Rubio
- Amanda Russo
- Keilin Tankiamco
- Alyanna Joelle Santos
- Katie Mcilroy
- Sandra Irene Goff
- Aira Lei Maigue
- Angelique De la Cruz
- Princess Caventa Reyes
- Caroline Luce
- Mia Valdes
- Alexandria Bollier
- Heather Casigna
- Lauren Skeoch
- Hope Corpus
- Hannah Angelica Marte
- Samantha Gavin
- Sarah Lizaso Obal
- Beatriz Mclelland
- Jessica Zemanek
- Bryanna Vasquez
- Aliza Orjalo
- 33.Ronniedith Dimapasoc
- Skylar Vasquez
- Dakota Swart
- Kelly Mcilroy
- Kawena Kanhai
- Sabrina Pajarillo
- Mary Ann Monda
- Issha Rose
The candidates were revealed in the press presentation hosted by two talented Filipino Americans – TV personality and “Inside Edition” correspondent Victoria Recaño and performance artist Alex Maarte.
The women will vie for these titles: Miss Filipina International; Miss Tourism; First Runner-up; Second Runner-up; and Third Runner-up.
MFI also announced in the media presentation that in partnership with Jonas Gaffud’s Empire Philippines, three winners will be eligible to compete next year in Miss Universe Philippines (MUP) while two winners will vie in The Miss Philippines pageant.
Manila-born Tiana Kocher, a rising singer-songwriter in America, performed her two songs, “Por Tiempo” and “Take Over,” which raised the energy level at the presentation. Kocher took over and commanded the stage with her self-penned hits. The candidates and guests were carried away by the infectious upbeat music and performance of the R&B sensation.
Another Filipino American, Juls King, also livened up the press presentation with his song, Ed Sheeran’s “Bad Habits.” King, considered a heartthrob, demonstrated why he is known as a total performer.
The lovely candidates wore platform heels by Jojo Bragais Shoes at the presentation and will also wear shoes by the pioneering young shoe designer when they compete during the coronation night.
In addition to the previously announced top prize of a BMW 3 Series car, the winner will also receive a $10,000 gift certificate from iSkin Beverly Hills. Other prizes include $5,000 cash and a $10,000 gift certificate from iSkin for Miss Tourism; a $2,500 cash prize and a $5,000 gift certificate from iSkin for each of the First, Second and Third Runners-up.
MFI’s sponsors include the Philippine Department of Tourism, Philippine Airlines, BMW, David Tupaz Couture, Narcisa Pheres (MFI crown designer), Belle Beachwear and The Beverly Hilton. For sponsorship inquiries, email: [email protected]. n
