At the Ruby Ballroom of Crowne Plaza Manila, the Press Presentation of Mr & Ms Chinatown Philippines 2018 was held with the combined presence of both the Local (TV, Print & Online) and Chinese media. The twenty-eight Official Candidates (14 Men, 14 Women) were individually introduced in their distinctly Chinese attires as well as casual getups. The guests were visibly impressed with the roster this year, especially the academic and professional credentials that they proudly stated during the introductions.
A lengthy and lively open mic forum with the candidates dominated the event as the guests made sure that everyone was given a chance to speak their minds out on an assortment of questions ranging from personal advocacy to racial discrimination to role models/inspirations to the hashtag of the pageant – #BeautyindiverCHIty.
Miss Chinatown Foundation Chairman Wilson Agbayani and Chinoy TV President Alvin Kingson Tan were around to welcome everyone as they led the proceedings with their individual speeches about this year’s edition of the pageant that has significantly leveled up to the national status for 2018 with candidates coming not only from NCR, but also the Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao areas.
When time came for the announcement of the Darlings of the Press, everyone was cheering for their own bets as the tally of votes came so close among the chosen picks by the Press. Lawrence Chua and Rachel Tan claimed the much-coveted awards. It will be remembered that the reigning titleholders – Jacob Muñez and Joy Wu – were also the recipients of the same honor in 2017 so it really bears watching if Lawrence & Rachel will also take it all the way to the top this year. It certainly won’t be an easy task because there are so many other strong contenders from among the remaining contestants.
Mr & Ms Chinatown Philippines 2018 is presented by the Tak Chun Group in cooperation with Miss Chinatown Foundation, Chinoy TV and Crowne Plaza Manila. Grand Finals will be held on September 2 at the MOA Arena, with TV telecast scheduled on September 9 over ABS-CBN’s Sunday’s Best.
