MANILA, Philippines — For the first time ever, a deaf contestant has made it to the finals of a national beauty pageant.
Christine Balaguer, 28, shared to Philstar.com in a recent interview how happy she is to represent the deaf and mute community at Century Tuna Superbods.
“I want to inspire the deaf community and show what we can do… To show that equality is here,” Christine said.
A total of 40 fit, smart, and sexy aspirants from Davao, Cebu and Metro Manila will compete in the finals of the Century Tuna Superbods Ageless 2018.
The finalists are consist of 10 Superbods male and 10 Superbods female (18 to 37 years old) and 10 Superbods Ageless male and 10 Superbods Ageless female (38 to 50 years old). Superbods male finalists are Luiji Panoso, Angelo Cacciatore, Jules Aquino, Sandro Roman, Elcid Camacho, Anthony Wahl, Farzam Nasirian, Denver Hernandez, Tommy Tiangco, and Tony De Oteyza. Female finalists are Maureen Montagne, Bella Ysmael, Faith Garcia, Queenie Rehman, Amanda Villanueva, Weizel Gulfan, Mariah Nilo, Christine Balaguer, Kim Ross Williams, and Joanna Toledo.
Male finalists in the Superbods Ageless category are Marc Dungo, Albert Adrales, Jerome Salvado, Manny Apilado, Jude Yap, Grech Go, Rob Geronimo, Ari Simangan, Manu Reyes, and Johann Ludovica. Superbods Ageless female finalists are Angel Jones, Glenda Bayona, Lois Hunter, Margaret Chua Lao, Anna Cope, Mica Fuentes, Maricel Cruz, Elisse Camarillo, Romela Nacar, and Michelle Garcia.
The finalists were chosen by a panel of judges composed of top photographer Xander Angeles of Edge of Light; Century Tuna Superbods 2014 grand winner Sara Polverini; PC&V Communications president and chief creative officer Ariel Comia; Century Pacific Food, Inc. vice president and general manager Greg Banzon; Century Tuna Superbods 2016 1st runner up Clint Bondad; professional volleyball player Alyssa Valdez; and online influencer Nico Bolzico.
“The hunt for the next Century Tuna Superbods has always been a long and rigorous process,” says Greg Banzon, general manager of Century Pacific Food, Inc. “But this year, we knew it will be even more challenging because of the introduction of the Ageless category. My fellow judges and I really had to be extra discerning in selecting the best of the crop.”
The 40 finalists will participate in an exciting line up of activities throughout the summer: the VIP Night hosted by Raymond Gutierrez and Gelli Victor; the Ultimate Challenge at the Inflatable Island in Subic where the finalists’ mental and physical health will be put to the test. This is hosted by Sam YG and Amanda Fernandez; and the Superbods Weekend which includes a fashion show by Zalora that will feature the finalists on April 7; the fun Underpants Run at Filinvest City in Alabang, Muntinlupa in the morning of April 8 and the Electric Spinning Party in BGC Amphitheater in the afternoon.
On April 12, 2018, the grand finals night will be held at the Cove, Okada Manila.
The four winners of Century Tuna Superbods 2018 will each receive P500,000 in cash. They will also receive an appliance showcase worth P250,000 from Indesit, Mabe, and Philips; an editorial campaign contract from Zalora; a training contract from Star Magic; a 1-year unlimited elite membership at Gold’s Gym; a May 2018 Mega Magazine supplement feature; P5,000 worth of Vansydical Sportswear; and a special prize from Cove.
One Superbods finalist will take home a brand-new Chevrolet Trax. The winner will be selected based on the transformation videos of each candidate's journey towards becoming a Superbod.
The following special awards will also be given during the finals night: Superbod Beachbod, Superbod of the Night (Best in Runway), Superbods Challenge winners, People’s Choice, Photogenic award and Best in Congeniality. — Video by EC Toledo IV