At the Forbes Ballroom of Conrad Hotel Manila earlier, the Press Presentation of Miss Asia Pacific International 2018 was held in front of invited members of the media. As Pageant President Jacqueline Tan-Sainz stated, this is the 50th edition of the Asia/Asia-Pacific brand that makes this year’s edition extra meaningful. And what could be more apt than to assemble an exact number of fifty (50) Official Candidates coming from different parts of the world.

As is traditional, the Darling of the Press was voted upon and crowd favorite (and host delegate) Sharifa Akeel of the Philippines was named recipient of the award. She was followed by 1st Runner-Up Madeline Ferrara of Germany and 2nd Runner-Up Gabriela Palma of Brazil.

There are many beautiful delegates in this batch. Aside from the Philippines, Germany and Brazil, worth mentioning are the entries of Venezuela, Costa Rica, Kazakhstan, Colombia, Peru and Mongolia.

The National Costume Competition will be held this coming Thursday night, also at the Conrad Manila. Swimsuit and Evening Gown Preliminaries will be conducted in Vigan and Tagaytay, with the Talent Competition at the Loft in Rockwell. Finals will be on October 4 at the Newport Performing Arts Theatre in Resorts World Manila.

Below are the photos of the early favorites among the fifty.