Binibining Pilipinas-World 2009 Marie-Ann Umali was feted with a send-off to Miss World 2009 which will culminate in a grand finals come December 12, 2009 at the Gallagher Convention Center in Johannesburg, South Africa.
Marie-Ann Umali is ready to capture the elusive first Miss World crown for the Philippines
Prior to the pre-pageant activities and coronation night in South Africa, Marie-Ann will initially head to London, England together with the other delegates before traveling as a group to Johannesburg a few days later.
Marie-Ann Umali receives wishes and kisses of good luck from Bb. Pilipinas-Universe Bianca Manalo (L) and Bb. Pilipinas-International Melody Gersbach (R)
Marie-Ann has a tough challenge ahead. The Philippines has not won the Miss World crown ever since it started and the closest the country got to the title were in 1973 when Evangeline Pascual placed 1st Runner-Up and in 1993 with Sharmaine ‘Ruffa’ Gutierrez clinching 2nd-Runner-Up honors.
Will Marie-Ann Umali achieve what all her predecessors have failed to do? Fellow beauty queens Bianca Manalo and Melody Gersbach (plus the whole country) can only keep their fingers crossed for her.
Let’s all wish Marie-Ann Umali the best of luck as she tries to conquer the Miss World crown currently held by Ksenia Sukhinova of Russia.
Good luck, Marie-Ann!
Images above are courtesy of Melvin Sia and Bruce Casanova of OPMB Worldwide Forums.
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