Philippine Pageantry Excellence Awards

 Melanie Marquez, other beauty queens honored in first Pageantry Excellence Awards

By Earl D.C. Bracamonte

Forty-four years after being crowned Miss International in 1979, Melanie Marquez still wowed the crowd when she was honored as one of the Philippine Pageantry Icons, alongside Miss World 1973 1st runner-up Evangeline Pascual in the 1st Philippine Pageantry Excellence Awards at the Teatrino in Greenhills, San Juan.

Evangeline was 18 when she was proclaimed in London, while Melanie was 15 when she was crowned in Tokyo. She'll go down Miss International history as the youngest titleholder - a feat that will not be duplicated because future Miss International delegates, after her year, were required to be 18 on the day of the competition. Now, decades after their respective reigns, both sexagenarians have maintained their svelte frames.

The other titleholders, from various pageant platforms, who were honored during the ceremonies were Gwendolyn Furniol (Miss World Philippines 2022), Kirk Bondad (Mister World Philippines 2023), Jeannette Fernando (Binibining Pilipinas Tourism 1993), Francine Reyes (Eco Teen Philippines 2023), John Jeffrey Carlos (Mister Gay World 2019), Daisy Reyes (Binibining Pilipinas World 1996), Maxine Misa (Model Mom Universe 2023), Susan Villanueva (Face of Tourism 2023), and Patricia Fernandez (Binibining Pilipinas International 2008).

"I'm so overwhelmed that past beauty queens and titleholders are gracing this show. For the past seven years, we've been giving out various recognition to men and women who have excelled in their respective fields of endeavor; as we continue our outreach programs in Mindanao. This year, visually-impaired individuals from Pampanga are the beneficiaries of our CSR projects," shared R. Ferdinand Hiñola, spokesperson of Best Publications, in his message.

Other award recipients included Niño Angeles and Andrew Badiola (fashion design), Noel Flores (maquillage), Cecille Bravo (philanthropy), Ima Castro (stage/theater), Ning Corteza (pageant coach - John Robert Powers), Kabogera (skin care), Lloyd Umali (vocal performance), Rodgil Flores (beauty camp - Kagandahang Flores), Jenny Ngai (solar power/sustainable energy), Kimson Tan/Faith da Silva/Kelvin Miranda (Promising Actors - Sparkle Talent Center), Joel Cruz (perfumery), Lhar Santiago (media correspondence - GMA7), Korina Interviews (TV show), and Rabiya Mateo (TV host).

As highlight of the event, eight persons (natural and juridical) were honored with special citations for being the best in their field or calling. They were:

- Joy Arguil (FAB Philippines) - Pageant Lensman of the Year

- Edge Tenoria (Pageantology 101) - Pageant Blogger of the Year

- Adam Genato (HeyAdamG) - Pageant Vlogger of the Year

- Eton Concepcion (Manila Standard Today) - Pageant Chronicler of the Year

- Miss Universe Philippines - Female Pageant System of the Year

- Misters of Filipinas - Male Pageant System of the Year

- Eventologie - Pageant Blogsite of the Year

- Man of the World - Pageant Producer of the Year

This year's selection panel was composed of Joee Guilas, Noli Berioso, Mylene Misolas, Mel Caparas, Bobby Requintina, Concon Siñel, Atorni Ton, and yours truly.