Turismo Pilipina, a national pageant started last year and headed by former beauty queen Precious Lara Quigaman (Miss International 2005) and beauty queen-maker Rodgil Flores, has decided to put aside this year’s edition for next year in order to give way to relief efforts geared towards the victims of Typhoons Ondoy and Pepeng which hit Metro Manila and Northern Luzon this past month. I actually salute the group for deciding to spend their funds for charity instead of holding a grand competition that would most likely look inappropriate given the current crisis the Philippines is going through.

Turismo Pilipinas relief operations center

Miss International 2005 Precious Lara Quigaman helping carry relief boxes

Miss International 2005 Precious Lara Quigaman leading the distribution of relief goods in Marikina

The group started with their relief operations in Industrial Valley in Marikina City. They have also conducted another relief mission in the Ilocos Region for those affected by Typhoon Pepeng, and have scheduled another in the province of Laguna.

Turismo Pilipina is a non-profit organization with the objective of promoting and upgrading the tourism industry in our country. Aside from Ms. Quigaman, Bb. Pilipinas International 2006 Denille Lou Valmonte is the Secretary with Ms. Malou Valera Viloria as Project Manager. They are ably supported by the League of Governors of the Philippines headed by Ilocos Sur Governor D.V. Savellano. Sherylee Sustiguer is the reigning Ms. Turismo Pilipina 2008 with Ferina de Paz and Emirie Cunanan as her runners-up. Mr. Francis Calubaquib is the Head of Secretariat.

Images above courtesy of OPMB Worldwide Forums