Our third pair of Official Candidates for Mr & Miss Hannah’s World Tourism Philippines 2018 is made up of a stage actor from Cainta who brings out one of the nicest smiles you’ll ever see and a tall fashion model/student from Davao City who has already represented the country in an international competition abroad.

Meet Erikson Gudelano IV #EriksonUnscripted and Joanna Ricci Alajar #ResilientDavaoeña:

Erikson Gudelano IV, 21, is a young man brimming with confidence, while showing a down-to-earth side that endears him to everyone he meets. This former Mr. Rizal titleholder from Cainta charms in more ways than one.

“I have always believed that I am the example of a tall, dark, and handsome man. Why not? If it gives me the motivation to bring my A-game all the time, then I simply reach for my goals. But more than my physical features, I find myself unique. Unique in a way that I always prefer to be myself always. Being a stage actor, I have to become someone else in portraying the role I was assigned to do. But outside the stage, I don’t pretend to be a scripted individual in the eyes of many.”

“I may not look like a constantly jolly person whenever you see me – grumpy even as what my close friends would say. But deep inside, I am a happy guy who loves to give out my sincerest smile to every person I meet.”

Joanna Ricci Alajar is no stranger to beauty pageants – both nationally and internationally. She took part in Miss Bikini Philippines 2016, after which she wore the Philippine sash as the country’s representative to Supermodel International 2016 held in India. This tall (173 cm) Davaoeña decided to keep things low-key after those twin achievements. It is only now that she decided to step up once more. She was a mix of nerves and excitement going into the Grand National Callback of Mr & Miss Hannah’s World Tourism Philippines 2018, and is thrilled by her inclusion as one of the Official Candidates.

“I am a woman full of dreams for my own well-being and my family. They say that the challenges in life make a person stronger and for that I am thankful. When my family was undergoing financial difficulties, I learned to embrace the value of everything that I have instead of looking out for what I don’t have. I remained resilient and I am always up for the challenge in broadening my capacity as a person in every endeavour that I get myself into. For the past 2 years, I worked as a model, an employee and a student. In light of working with different people, I am capable of creating a cohesive ambiance for everyone regardless of our diverse personalities and different cultural upbringings.

“Life lessons transformed me into a versatile flexible woman. This influenced my willingness to reach out to other people, and most especially to implement my advocacy in becoming the change I wish to see for the world . With the support of my loving family I continuously aim to be a woman of strength, kindness and perseverance.”