First Miss Casino Filipino eager to push advocacy

The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) recently crowned 18-year-old Catrine Rosary Ocampo as its first Miss Casino Filipino. The 5’8” beauty from Quezon City bested 28 other candidates. She will represent the country in the Queen of the World beauty pageant in Germany this year.

I interviewed Catrine during the Q & A portion of the pageant. She had presence of mind and a winning smile. Although I could sense her jitters, she remained undaunted and calmly answered my questions about love, men and beauty contests.

Catrine chose the promotion of education as her advocacy for the pageant. “It is a great honor to be crowned as the first Miss Casino Filipino. I will not only wear the crown on my head but also in my heart. It will be my pleasure to serve the community and promote my advocacy,” she enthused.

“I am strongly determined to help poor children get quality education. I would not want to die knowing that I haven’t made a difference.”

As the grand winner, Catrine received P300,000 in cash and PAGCOR will support her chosen charitable institution.

Runners-up were Glennifer Perido of Laguna (first), Maureen Morales of Zamboanga del Norte (second), Katherine Dominique Lagrimas of Bicol (third) and Reina Cuneta of Makati City (fourth). The first runner-up received P200,000; P100,000 for the second runner-up; P75,000 for the third runner-up and; P50,000 for the fourth runner-up.

First runner-up Perido also won Best in Swimsuit and Ms. Ever Bilena. Other special awardees of the pageant were Dianna Sunshine Rademann of Puerto Princesa City (Best in Talent, Best in Long Gown and Ms. Beautiful Skin); Regine May Canlas of Angeles City (Ms. Photogenic); Shenna Hernandez of Leyte (Ms. Asia’s Friendliest); and Carmela Therese Ignacio of Angeles City (Best in Costume).

PAGCOR’s assistant vice president for entertainment Bong Quintana was overwhelmed by the success of Miss Casino Filipino 2011. “I congratulate all the winners. They truly represent the modern Filipina, in terms of beauty, personality and talent. I hope they will use this opportunity to help people and do something good for our nation.”

Meanwhile, Maricar Bautista, PAGCOR’s AVP for corporate communications, was proud of the pageant. “It was a successful event and we are extremely happy with the outcome of the pageant. The winners are all deserving. They are beautiful, intelligent, and are ready to be PAGCOR and Casino Filipino’s ambassadors of goodwill. We have stressed at the onset that this contest is all about beauty with a purpose. PAGCOR has always been one of our government’s active partners in nation-building. Our Miss Casino Filipino winner — Catrine Rosary Ocampo — will be among those at the forefront of PAGCOR’s socio-civic efforts. All 29 candidates are practically considered winners. They are welcome to join our PAGCOR and Casino Filipino family. We are all looking forward to the holding of the next Miss Casino Filipino search in 2012.”

The distinguished panel of judges was composed of PAGCOR chairman and CEO Cristino Naguiat Jr., Department of Energy Sec. Jose Rene Almendras, Queen of the World national director Ovette Ricalde, 2010 Bb. Pilipinas-World Czarina Gatbonton, former supermodel and top makeup artist Lala Flores, model-stylist Rima Ostwani, designer Frederick Peralta, beauty queen April Love Jordan and photographer Raymund Isaac.

PAGCOR’s Miss Casino Filipino 2011 will be aired on PTV 4 on Sept. 11 (Sunday) from 9:15 p.m. onwards.