The top 12 finalists for this year’s search for Aliwan Fiesta Digital Queen, the third edition of Manila Broadcasting Company's (MBC) virtual pageant, were revealed.
The candidates were first presented on Aliwan Fiesta's official Facebook page posted last Wednesday, Sept. 14.
They were further introduced in a pageant primer program entitled "Journey to the crown".
The first episode of the pageant primer dubbed “Meet the Queens” was aired last Saturday, Sept. 17. Pageant coach and blogger Norman Tinio who was invited as a special guest helped the public to get to know more about each of the candidates' distinct characteristics.
From 32 ladies down to 12 finalists. The following are the candidates who made it to the Top 12:
Sophia Noreen Guillermo of Ilocos Norte
Sophia is an 18-year-old high school student from Dingras, Ilocos Norte. She was hailed as Miss Ilocos Norte's first-runner-up last May 6. She supports Dingras’ Women in Development program, which falls under cluster 4 of Ilocos Norte’s program on empowerment through awareness, information, and healthcare services.
Nadine Faith McCoy of Cebu City
Nadine of Talamban Cebu is a 16 years old Junior High School graduate. She is one of the youngest candidates for this year’s Aliwan fiesta pageant. She is an avowed supporter of LGBTQ+ rights, and her favorite charity is Love Yourself Organization which promotes awareness of HIV/STI, SOGIE, self-worth, and mental and sexual health.
Dana Gabrielle Tautho of Davao City
Dana is a licensed geologist from Davao City. At the age of 24, she already earned a master's degree in urban planning at the University of the Philippines and is currently taking up her doctorate in philosophy (Ph.D.) in development studies at the Ateneo de Davao.
Dana works for Ridge to Reef as an environmental consultant. She supports the Matigsalug Tribe’s Council of Elders in the Marilog District by assisting the farming community.
Krystell Candice Pagdagdagan of Guinobatan, Albay
Guinobatan, Albay is represented by Krystell, an 18-year-old Senior High School student who cites leadership abilities as one of her core strengths. She is the current head of the Guinobatan Children’s Organization. KC is interested in literature and cycling.
Jeaven Iyl Musni of Bacolod City
Coming from the City of Smiles, this 20-year-old stunner is a student at the John B. Lacson Colleges Foundation and is into pottery and folk dancing, taking pride in the Masskara Festival in Bacolod City.
Jeaven actively helps out Sagup Negros — a social enterprise initiated by Youth Empowering Youth, that aims to mitigate food waste generation in local markets while providing income support to vendors and unemployed mothers.
Jackelaine Adarayan Fleming of Cebu City
Representing Cebu City is Jackelaine, a 21-year-old psychology student at Fort Lewis College. She is a skin ambassadress and actively helps out the Ngiti Foundation for Children’s Needs. She is into singing, dancing, writing, and ice skating.
Martina Mikael De la Rama of Buenavista, Agusan del Norte
Martina is an 18-years-old student from Butuan Doctors College, Agusan del Norte. She is an active supporter of the Kalanggaman and Tangke Fisherfolk Association. Martina likes to cook and is also into sports.
Marikit Manaois of Baguio City
Born in Itogon, Benguet, Marikit represents Baguio City. She holds a bachelor's degree in human resource development from St. Louis University (SLU). She currently works as a secretary in a solid waste management company. Singing and theater acting are her special talents.
Maica Cabling Martinez of Nueva Ecija
Maica, a 28-year-old government employee, represents Nueva Ecija. She is a broadcast communications graduate from the University of the Philippines Diliman, where she is also studying for a master's degree in anthropology.
Maica is actively involved in youth engagement, especially in supporting projects for food sustainability and boosting Nueva Ecija’s farming community.
Thañame Cahilig of Labangon, Cebu Ccity
Representing Labangon, Cebu is Thaname, a 12th-grade student under the Marketing strand who has an interest in music and hairstyling. This 18-year-old is strong-willed in helping victims of cybersex trafficking.
Nikki Shannen Ortega of Davao City
Nikki from Davao City is a 20-year-old anti-bullying advocate. She is also an outspoken advocate of indigenous rights, and the charity of her choice is the Davao Tribal Mission Foundation International office.
Kassandra Avena of Caramoan, Camarines Sur
Originally from Caramoan, Camarines Sur, Kassandra is only 16 years old but is already in charge as head trainer at her mother’s modeling center. She is a student at the Naga City Science High School. She chose two community-based Bicolnon groups as charities.
The second episode of the pageant primer entitled "Queens of Cause" will tackle the candidates’ advocacy and cause with special guest DZRH News Anchor Karen Ow-Yong. It will air this coming Saturday, Sept. 24.
The last installment of the pageant primer will peek into the finalists’ preparations in "The Making of a Queen" with Rodgil Flores, founder of Kagandahang Flores. It will be broadcasted on Oct. 1.
Follow the weekly journey of the candidates starting the Launch and Pride of Place on October 8; Talent and Skills competition on October 15; Queens for a Cause on October 22; Evening Gown Competition and Q&A on October 29; and the Awarding Coronation Night on November 5.
All the episodes can be watched on MBC’s digital platforms and Aliwan Fiesta official Facebook page and website.
