Time to meet our 14th pair of Official Candidates for Mr & Miss Hannah’s World Tourism Philippines 2018. Two tall lookers are now ready for viewing – a fitness enthusiast who dreams of becoming a firefighter and a Church youth leader with the cuddly warmth of a true friend.
Meet Crispin C. Tabao of Tuguegarao City #FitnessLover and Honey Grace Cartasano of Antipolo City #WomanOfFaith.
He could live inside the gym if he wants to. But 21 year-old Cris is not about to spend days and nights working out. He simply manages his time well and makes sure that he faithfully follows his workout regimen without sacrificing his other essential responsibilites. This Mister Tuguegarao City 2017 titleholder wants to be the master of his own fate en route to his goal of being a future firefighter – a superhero of sorts in his own right.
“I come from one of the hottest – if not the hottest – places in the country where the famous Pancit Batil Patong originated. I stand 6 feet tall and a proud fitness lover.
During high school, I played football in Palarong Pambansa three times. Once I entered college, I decided to focus on pursuing my dreams of becoming a Law Enforcer someday.
Last year, I joined a provincial pageant and was unexpectedly crowned as Mister Tuguegarao City 2017 during the Celebration of the Pavurrulun Afi Festival. But my more precious achievement so far was passing the board exams for Criminology graduates.”How does it feel to be part of Mr & Miss Hannah’s World Tourism Philippines 2018?
“It was good luck perhaps that I made the cut. And I can only thank God for the honor and the blessing. I prayed hard to be included. And when my name was called, I felt a sense of great relief because this would be my biggest competition so far.”
And your future plans after the contest?
“I want to become a firefighter to save lives and properties. I’m waiting for the quota of Region 2 to be able to apply with the Bureau of Fire Protection. And hopefully, it should become a reality this coming July.”
Honey possesses such a pleasantly kooky personality that observers won’t see upon first meeting. Give her time to warm up and she would sing like actress Anne Curtis in a heartbeat. Yes, she knows her vocal limitations but is gutsy enough not be deprived of the chance to show her so-called talent. And this is one delightful side that endears her to people instantly. On a more serious note, this beauty is a #WomanOfFaith with strong-willed determination to boot.
“Being raised by my single mom like a princess and shaped by struggles like a warrior, I’ve learned to be a strong and independent woman with God on my side. Though most people think that I’m too girly (they sometimes look at me like a barbie doll because of my physical appearance), I’m kind of different inside. I’m tough, brave and a little bit boyish.”
What makes Honey special?
“I can be a shoulder to lean on when life puts you down. That’s why I am very pleased that God appointed me to be a group leader in our church. To serve Him is my joy and to be able to inspire people to be strong but anchored in Christ is an honor.”
There is deep-seated warmth and grace in Honey. And anyone would be lucky to have her as a close friend and confidante. Will such qualities turn her into a winner in the competition? I’m sure she would want more than to be named Miss Congeniality. She aims to be Miss Hannah’s World Tourism Philippines 2018.
狗年吉祥 (gǒunián jíxiáng) or Good luck for this Dog year!
Maria Fatima “Tim” Alsowyed has had a relatively successful pageant life to date. From being Slimmers World Miss Bikini Philippines 2015, she joined Miss Philippines Earth 2016 and initially landed a runner-up placement in the Top 12 before moving up to the Miss Philippines Fire crown after a shakeup in the magic circle due to the resignation of Imelda Schweighart.
The search is on for 
Last Sunday night, your blogger spent some personal talk time with the beautiful Catriona Gray when we were seated beside each other during the birthday celebration of Col. Ricardo Nolasco Jr PAF (Ret) of Hannah’s Beach Resort and Convention Center at Forum 1 of Solaire Resort and Casino.
Cat was visibly surprised and worried about all the spreading talks and rumors about transferring beauty camps which she simply dismissed as small talks from different people which got bigger but totally untrue. If at any, she is more concerned on whether she should really take the risk of joining Bb. Pilipinas. If a yes, there is even uncertainty on whether she would take part in the 2018 or 2019 edition. At 23, she still has the luxury of waiting it out for another year or two. After all, there will only be one – and only one – title she would be interested in pursuing.
Her full name is Jennifer Paweensuda Saetan-Drouin. But she prefers to be called “Fahsai” for short. This statuesque 23 year-old stunner from Thailand by way of Montreal is considered by many pageant followers as one of the strongest favorites in this year’s batch of Miss Earth delegates. She is beautiful, warm, engaging and can speak English like a true Spokesperson for the environment. In fact, this is one of the few instances where a Thai representative can eloquently express herself in the universal language. And how!
This 19 year-old beauty from Austria is a very interesting subject to talk to, aside from having a unique mix – she is 50% Brazilian. She may be petite at just 5’5.5”, but loaded with fresh thoughts about her bid for Miss Earth 2017. Perhaps, her study background in Journalism – coupled with the desire to be a TV presenter – combines for a relatively more aggressive articulation of her ideas that a short chit-chat just isn’t enough to get her real substance.
Miss Thailand Paweensuda “Fahsai” Drouin drew one of the first blood of sorts as she was crowned Miss Earth-Hannah’s during the weekend where ten of the Miss Earth 2017 delegates were flown to Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte as special guests of Hannah’s Beach Resort and Convention Center. Initially, the representatives of Austria, Czech Republic, Ecuador, Guatemala, Israel, Korea, Sweden, Thailand, Uganda and Venezuela attended the Blessing and Inauguration of the new 2-storey Building in the Crown Jewel of the North. Thereafter, a special mini-pageant was held to choose the one delegate who will serve as one of the foreign spokespersons of the renowned beach destination. They competed in swimsuits, evening gowns and Q&A before the beautiful Thai delegate defeated everyone else to be declared the best among them. Ninoska Vasquez of Venezuela and Lessie Giller Sanchez of Ecuador completed the Top 3. 
The Miss Earth 2017 candidates are everywhere in the metro and nearby provinces these days. Environmental School Tours in Bulacan, Cainta, Barrio Obrero and Legarda. Visit to the eco project of Imus, Cavite. TV and radio guestings. Sponsor visits. Hosted dinners. And more.
While activities for Miss Earth 2017 will start on October 5 with a Sponsors Visit to be led by reigning titleholder Katherine Espin, this year’s candidates will start arriving the day after. Divided into three (3) groups, they will be billeted in an equal number of hotels with Group 1 checking-in at Joy~Nostalg Center, Group 2 heading to Diamond Hotel and Group 3 getting their temporary home base at Century Park Hotel. All in all, between 90-92 delegates are expected to take part with 14 from Central/Western Europe, 14 from Eastern Europe, 14 fin North/Central America, 9 from South America, 14 from Africa, 25 from Asia and the Pacific. Two (2) more ladies from Europe are still likely to join them pending final confirmation.
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