MANILA, Philippines - Miss World-Philippines national director Cory Quirino (center) and the 25 official candidates in the 2012 Miss World-Philippines contest graced the flag-raising and wreath-laying ceremonies commemorating the 114th Philippine Independence Day last June 12 at the Barasoain Church Historical Landmark in Malolos, Bulacan, presided by Pres. Noynoy Aquino. After the ceremonies, Bulacan Gov. Wilhelmino Alvarado (to Cory’s right) and Vice Gov. Daniel Fernando (to Cory’s left), with other provincial officials, welcomed the beautiful delegation at the Hiyas Convention Center where the launch of Bulacan Tourism Core-24K Tourism Icons was held. — Reported by Funfare’s ‘other beauty expert’ CELSO DE GUZMAN CAPARAS