Miss Asia Pacific International tilt revived

Here’s good news for beauty-watchers: The Miss Asia Pacific International pageant is being revived.

Acknowledged as the first and oldest international beauty pageant in Asia, the pageant has a network of 87 countries and territories, according to a report by Funfare’s “beauty experts” Francis Calubaquib, Felix Manuel, Joey Cezeare and Gery Yumping.

“The pageant’s last search was held in 2005 in Guangdong Province, China, with 53 candidates from around the world,” said Francis. “The winner was Leonora Monge of Costa Rica. The Philippine bet, Jeddah Hernandez, finished fourth runner-up.”

Launched in 1968 originally as Miss Asia Quest with 18 Asian countries participating, the pageant was held in different Asian countries to promote tourism in the region. In 1984 when the 16th edition of the contest was held in New Zealand, candidates from Central and South America (including the USA and Canada) competed. There were 40 candidates when the contest was held in Hong Kong in 1985, renamed Miss Asia Pacific Quest. Hong Kong hosted the contest until 1989.

The Philippines has won the contest four times: Carines Zaragoza in 1982, Bong Dimayacyac in 1983, Lorna Legaspi in 1989 and Michelle Aldana in 1993.

“Plans for the contest’s re-launch are now being finalized,” added Francis.

Miss Asia Pacific International is governed by its original Board of Directors, namely Alfonso V. Lim Jr. as chairman and CEO; Roberto de Venecia, president; Lauro M. Amante, treasurer; and Leandro D. Enriquez, founder and director.

The same group is behind this year’s Mutya ng Pilipinas search.

“The organizers of Miss Asia Pacific International would like to clarify that they are not connected with a newly-formed beauty pageant that is going to be held in Korea sometime in May,” said Francis.

Briefly noted

• The UE Knights, Inc. (UEKI) will hold a fellowship-testimonial dinner on Friday, April 29, at the Wack Wack Golf & Country Club in Mandaluyong City in honor of Police Director Nicanor A. Bartolome (photo), National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) chief, according to UEKI National Commander Antonio Cua Jr. Cua and other UEKI officers are inviting UE Knights to the affair. Special prizes

will be raffled. For inquiries, call Jheng at 399-7818, Tony at 0917-8808785, Mars at 0915-3934611, or 735-5471 local 378.

• A new concept called People’s Music Training Center will be offered this summer. It will benefit singing enthusiasts and aspiring recording artists. PMTC is located at 117 S. Macaya St., Bgy. Pasong Tamo, Tandang Sora, Quezon City. Enrollment for “Voice Development, Voice Dynamic and Stage Performance “ course starts today. The center offers 30 sessions in air-con rooms equipped with high-tech sound system. For details, call landline 454-0078.

•  From reader Nelia R. Dar Juan: Please add St. Gerard Majella to the list of saints, whose feast day is Oct. 16. St. Gerard is the Patron Saint of Motherhood. Women trying to conceive are expectant mothers pray to St. Gerard. It was to St. Gerard that I offered a novena when I was expecting my third child. I had two girls and I requested for a boy. He granted my wish. I named my son, you guessed it, Gerard.

•  Dr. Gary Sy’s “Back to Back” free Gabay Sa Kalusugan seminars will be held in the following venues: April 29, 1 to 4 p.m. at Cap Building, Florentino St., Vigan City; and April 30, also from 1 to 4 p.m. at Laoag City Hall Auditorium, Laoag City. Dr. Gary will give health tips, medical information and free consultation.

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