There were 300 aspirants screened nationwide that vied to be the first Slimmers World Ms. Bikini Philippines, who would go on to represent the country in Europe and in China for the world and international competitions, respectively. While others were patiently going through the motions of the audition process, the unprepossessing and witty Maria Elena Lopena of Davao was busy attending to the food and beverage needs of Marco Polo Hotel guests, among them the audition masters of the pageant who took note of her beauty and body. The rest, as the old saying goes, is history, and Lopena, crowned Ms. Bikini Philippines World and awarded as the most talented among the 25 finalists, will now go on to compete in Europe in June.

“Certainly, I will maintain my health and figure, and prepare myself physically, emotionally and mentally for the next competition,” Lopena told the BusinessMirror at the end of the grand coronation night held Sunday at the Plenary Hall of the Philippine International Convention Center.

THUMBS-UP, Ms. Bikini Philippines World Maria Elena Lopena (second from right) gives the thumbs-up to the audience and photographers at the first-ever Slimmers World Miss Bikini Philippines 2008. She is joined by Ms. Bikini Philippines International Pearl Keline (second from left), Ms. Bikini Philippines first runner-up Beverly Anne Dungog (first from left) and Ms. Bikini Philippines second runner-up Melissa Cruz. --Photo by Arvin Gutierrez

Brimming with excitement and delight, she admitted, “That [Europe] would be my first time to travel out of the country!”

Lopena said the 26 days that spanned the local leg of the competition were well-spent even though it meant being away from her family. The recent cum laude graduate of tourism said that she learned much about life from the pageant.

The 21-year-old Davaoeña received P500,000 for winning the grand title, and P30,000 for the talent competition, among other prizes.

Meanwhile, young and sweet 16 Pearl Keline of Slimmers World International (SWI) Adriatico won the Ms. Bikini Philippines International and received P400,000 and other prizes. She will compete in China in November.

Beverly Anne Dungog, 23, of SWI SM City, was proclaimed first runner-up and won P200,000, while Melissa Cruz, 24, of SWI Legaspi, emerged as the second runner-up and best in long gown. Cruz brought home P150,000. Crowd favorite Lovely Matola of SWI Alabang won the National Costume category and received P30,000. She also won the Ms. Toyota plum together with Kristel Presado of SWI Pasay. The two winners received P50,000 each and a trip to Hong Kong for two nights.

Other special awards were given to Joyce Peñanueva of SWI Megamall for Ms. Congeniality, Nadine Ignacio of SWI Adriatico for Ms. Great Skin, and Erica Grace Padilla of SWI Pasig was declared Ms. Photogenic.

“This is our first-ever pageant but every year, we’re going to get bigger and bigger,” said Slimmers World founder and president Ronald Joseph Moy. Slimmers World has more than 380,000 clients across the country and continues to promote among consumers a healthy and vibrant lifestyle. Moy continued, “We want to maintain our vision and inspire people to live a healthy life.”

The winners were judged by Slimmers executives, entertainment celebrities and former beauty titlists, like 1969 Miss Universe Gloria Diaz, 1999 Miss Universe first runner-up Miriam Quiambao, 2006 Miss Tourism Queen International Justin Gabionza, 2001 Miss Philippines International Maricar Tolosa and 2002 Bb. Pilipinas Universe Karen Agustin.

Martin Nievera also had a special musical number and serenaded the 25 candidates while they sashayed on-stage in their long gowns. The event was hosted by Bianca Gonzales and DJ Slyde.

***** 

Miss Makati 2008

Makati Mayor Jejomar Binay (right) joins this year’s Miss Makati 2008 Marie Antoinette Franchesca Calimbahin (second from right), 19, and Miss Tourism 2008 Jacqueline Alexandra Mayoralgo (second from left), 19. With them is Dr. Elenita Binay (left).

The awarding was held Friday evening at the Mandarin Oriental Manila.

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