2019 Mr./Miss Chinatown bets are ‘building bridges’

Don’t take today’s headline literally. No, the 25 candidates in the 2019 Mr. and Miss Chinatown are building bridges, all right. But not in accordance with the government’s “Build, Build, Build” program. Highlighted during the Chinatown Ball held at Solaire Tent last Aug. 15, the “bridges” refer to the “blending of Chinese and Filipino cultures aimed at giving birth to the unique Chinoy identity.”

Organized by the Miss Chinatown Foundation & Fil-Chi Media Productions, Inc. (CHINOY TV), the ball was presented by Tak Chun Group and Solaire Resorts, with the Federation of Filipino Chinese Chamber of Commerce & Industry, Inc. (FFCCCI) and Hoseki.

During the event, the candidates (13 males and 12 females) were formally introduced with their #BuildingBridges advocacy:

• Joshua Benzi Yang, 19 (Ateneo de Manila High School/De La Salle University) ­— #ThroughLangoyChinoy;

• Giles Ashby De Jesus, 24 (Xavier School/Ateneo de Manila University) — #ThroughLight;

• Russell Austin Tee, 23 (Xavier School/Ateneo de Manila University) — #ThroughEatSmart;

• Waldron Lee, 24 (Saint Jude Catholic School/Ateneo de Manila University/Harvard University) — #ThroughEveryMeal;

• Jeremiah Tomas, 21 (Jubilee Christian Academy/UP Diliman) — #ThroughLikhangBayan;

• Dave Audric Dy, 19 (Chiang Kai Shek College/UST) — #ThroughMMA/“Despite differences in cultures, we should unite, respect and support each other to lead our nation to a better future;”

During the Chinatown Ball last Aug. 15, chosen Best Models were Jonathan Chantong and Claudine Marie Chua

• Aaron Stevenson Ho, 22 (Saint Jude Catholic School/Ateneo de Manila University) — #ThroughSolidFoundation;

• Carlo Fernan Tan, 25 (Lorenzo Ruiz Academy/CEU) — #ThroughCleanCities;

• Jonathan Chantong, 23 (Xavier School/De La Salle University) — #ThroughAntiBullying;

• Stephen Lim, 23 (Xavier School/De La Salle University) — #ThroughSports;

• Jason Salcedo, 23 (Saint Jude Catholic School/UST) — #ThroughMEDucation;

• Michael Jung Yang Chua, 25 (Marist School Marikina/De La Salle University) — #ThroughFood;

• Gerrickson Malto, 20 (Chiang Kai Shek College/De La Salle College of Saint Benilde) — #ThroughUrbanFarming;

• Raissa Yentyl Tan, 21 (Saint Jude Catholic School/UST) — #ThroughArts;

• Zofie Zeng, 23 (Manila Patriotic School/De La Salle College of Saint Benilde) — #ThroughEating Right;

• Claudine Marie Chua, 21 (Chiang Kai Shek College/Ateneo de Manila University) — #ThroughADHvocacy;

• Kyra Wong, 19 (Chiang Kai Shek College/UST) — #ThroughSocialEntrep;

• Jidelle Chan-Tan, 23 (Grace Christian College/De La Salle University) — #ThrougFinancialLiteracy;

• Joanna Paula Tan, 24 (Amore International School/UST) — #ThroughHerStory;

• Marie Lorraine Cho, 19 (Sto. Nino Academy/Bulacan State University) — #ThroughPerformingArts;

• Amara Ui, 24 (Miriam College High School/De la Salle University) — #ThroughListening;

Darlings of the Press (from left): Chantong, Amara Ui and Gerrickson Malto

• Razeline Chua, 20 (Chiang Kai Shek College/UST) — #ThroughHokkien;

• Nina Tay Lee, 25 (Immaculate Conception Academy/UST) — #ThroughGrowingPassion;

• Chelse Phoebe Ong, 25 (Grace Christian College/Ateneo de Manila University) — #ThroughMentalHealthAwareness;

• Philene Yeung, 21 (Chiang Kai Shek College/De La Salle University) — #ThroughFinancialSecurity.

Also during the ball, seven notable Chinoy women were hailed champions of Chinese values:

• Blogger/writer/entrepreneur Kryz Uy, Champion of History and Tradition;

• Miss Chinatown 2014/Miss Grand International 2016/content creator Nicole Cordoves, Champion of Wit and Intelligence;

• Philanthropist/medical practitioner Dr. Ging Zamora, Champion of Charity and Generosity;

• TV personality/social entrepreneur Elizabeth Lee, Champion of Women in Business;

• Agnes Huibonhoa (Consul ad Honorem of the Philippines to the Islamic Republic of Gambia), Champion of Grace and Courage;

• 1974 Miss Chinatown Arlene Cheng-Tobias, Champion of Cultural Harmony; and

• Women’s advocate/fashionista Myrna Tang Yao, Champion of Diversity.

Newly crowned Miss Earth Philippines Janelle Lazo Tee was recognized as this year’s “I Am Chinoy” awardee.

The 2019 Mr. and Miss Chinatown coronation night will be held tomorrow, Sept. 8, at the SM Mall Of Asia (MOA) Arena, aired on ABS-CBN’s Sunday’s Best on Sept. 15.  — With a report from Felix Manuel

(E-mail reactions at [email protected]. For more updates, photos and videos, visit www.philstar.com/funfare or follow me on Instagram @therealrickylo.)