TACLOBAN CITY — Miss Universe Philippines (MUPH) Leyte has officially unveiled the 18 candidates vying for this year’s highly anticipated provincial pageant, with each contestant representing their respective towns and cities. The winner will carry Leyte’s banner at the national Miss Universe Philippines competition.
The candidates are Alexandra Juanillo (Merida), Fathe Margaretti Ali (Inopacan), Claire Mascariñas (La Paz), Sheena Margarette Abayabay (Baybay), Alyssa Taala (Dulag), Julia Tiarra (Kananga), Denise Armamento (Tacloban), Alexandra Bianca Creer (Tanauan), Joana Marie Casuela (Mayorga), Rhealei Amarilla (Abuyog), Liza Corazon Lehren (Calubian), Jammie Dorothy Astorga (Barugo), Shaan Morata (Ormoc), Princess Miller (Capoocan), Diane Kornikuva Dacalos (Isabel), Tsina Dadios (Albuera), Gieselle Viador (San Miguel), and Kareyl Mae Cabahug (Javier).
This year’s pageant, which has a theme, “Anyag Leyte: Ani ngan Kauswagan” (Beauty of Leyte: Harvest and Progress), aims to go beyond beauty and competition, highlighting Leyte’s vibrant tourism and agriculture industries. Now under the management of IM Travel and Tours, the organizers promise to transform the event into a platform for community development by showcasing the province’s scenic destinations and agricultural abundance.
“We want to emphasize not only tourism but also agriculture,” said Rochelle Alfonso, president of MUPH Leyte. “This aligns with the provincial government’s goal to support farmers and showcase Leyte’s true treasures.”
This week, the MUPH Leyte organization signed a memorandum of agreement with Governor Carlos Jericho ‘Icot’ Petilla, representing the provincial government.
Under the partnership, the provincial government will integrate MUPH Leyte’s initiatives into its tourism and cultural campaigns, while MUPH Leyte will promote the province’s heritage, products, and destinations throughout the national pageant and related events.
(ROEL T. AMAZONA)
