Miss Manila 2017 Court of Beauties Declared

Miss Manila 2017 Court of Beauties Declared
Report: Raymund Thom Golez | Managing Editor
Media Coverage: Anton Eder | Correspondent
Photos credits: Joel Santos, Jerry Ilao

TAMPA, Florida – The 446th Araw ng Maynila week-long celebrations capped off with the coronation night of Miss Manila 2017. Maria Gail Tobes, a Binibining Pilipinas 2017 alumna, was chosen over 29 other candidates by the board of judges, which was headed by Miss Universe 2015 Pia Alonzo Wurtzbach.

Francesca Camargo bagged first runner up, Diana Mackey was second runner up, while Sofia Sibug and Naelah Alshorbaji Almazik were third and fourth runners up, respectively. Top favorite Athena Catriz failed to advance in the Top 5 ranking although many believes that she’s deserving of a top spot after seeing her flawless performance during the Top 10 preliminaries.

During the first round of interviews, Tobes said ethical misunderstanding was the greatest problem faced not only by millennials, but also the communities in Manila.

Somehow, the finals nights left a little controversy to people who have seen it live and left a remark as to why Pia Wurtzbach crowned the winner instead of the outgoing Miss Manila 2016, Cristelle Tolentino. Well, that question hasn’t been answered.

Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada congratulated all the candidates, and said the pageant was not merely a celebration of the Manileñas’ beauty and intelligence, but also a way to raise funds for the needy. Miss Manila pageant is for the benefits of M.A.R.E Foundation under the tutelage of Manila First Lady Loi Ejercito.

“Miss Manila has a deeper purpose. Hindi ito beauty pageant lamang kundi programa para makatulong sa mga kababayang mahihirap (This is not only a beauty pageant, but a program to help our poor countrymen),” he said. “So even if you are not chosen, you are already a winner because you have helped the poor of Manila.”