A new beginning?

 ALV Pageant Circle launches Miss Grand Philippines 2023

By Earl D.C. Bracamonte

National director Arnold L. Vegafria, together with Miss Grand International president Nawat Itsaragrisil and vice-president Teresa Chaivisut, formally launched the Miss Grand Philippines pageant at the grand ballroom of Hilton Manila recently.

The Miss Grand national title is the newest acquisition of the ALV Pageant Circle, after leaving Binibining Pilipinas Charities Inc.'s roster of titles.

The early evening event was graced by the presence of the MGI 2022 Top 10 queens who were all dressed in white. First runner-up Engfa Waraha of Thailand was the only member of the court who was not present during the affair.

"In the past, ten years already, there were so many stories about Miss Grand International. Some rumors were right or wrong, but in behalf of our organization, I apologize if you have not been entertained by our entertainment. But we give people entertainment everytime we want.

"Some Philippine fans, not all, have misunderstanding. Let's try to understand each other because MGI is a very normal beauty pageant platform. We do a lot of production, a lot of activities. It's not easy to produce a beauty contest in the time of COVID in the world. 

"Next year, your Philippine representative will stay for 25 days with us in Vietnam. And we try to produce a huge production, a huge stage - to make everybody proud that stayed with us. This is the most important aspect of a beauty pageant. I know Filipino fans prefer the Miss Universe. . .

"I hope that we can start again from today. It's the tenth year anniversary already... But one crown is still waiting for you. Don't you want it? Return, come back to us. Let's work together!" implored MGI president Nawat Itsaragrisil to Filipino pageant fans all over the world.

Also in attendance during the launching ceremonies were the MWP 2022 court - Gwendolyn Furniol (World), Alison Black (Supranational), Ashley Subijano Montenegro (Eco International), Ingrid Santamaria (Reina Hispanoamericana), Beatrice McLelland (Eco Teen International), Cassandra Chan (2nd Princess) - as well as past winners Emmanuelle Vera (Reina Hispanoamericana 2021 3rd runner-up) and Janelle Lewis (2nd Princess, 2021). 

Ali Forbes, the first Filipina to compete in the very first Miss Grand International pageant of 2013, also graced the event. She placed 3rd runner-up to Puerto Rico's Janelle Chaparro that year.

The 2023 Miss Grand International will unfold on Oct 25 next year in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. Reigning queen Isabella Menin of Brazil, who will crown her successor in Vietnam, called the Filipinos the kindest people in the world, and hopes that the MGI will crown a Filipina soon. At the Bangkok residences, she and Roberta Tamondong are roommates. 

"Mabuhay, Philippines! I would like to thank Mr. Nawat, Ms. Teresa, the organization, and I would like to congratulate the newly-launched pageant, Miss Grand Philippines. Sir Arnold, I thank you so much for supporting me. I am so proud to be a Filipino and I am overwhelmed by your love and support," enthused Miss Grand International 2022 5th runner-up Roberta Angela Tamondong in her short message.

Stay tuned!