Dubbed as the "Mob Princess" that evening, Marian Rivera was officially presented as 2008's Sexiest Woman.

Back-to-back winner Katrina Halili failed to make it three in a row. Despite putting up a gallant fight, Katrina's effort fell short of the votes for Number One, which Marian Rivera won.

"Aaminin ko na tao lang ako at siyempre nanghihinayang ako," said Katrina to Startalk's Butch Francisco last July 19. "Siyempre, ang ganda naman na tatlong beses ako nanalo, di ba? Pero siyempre masaya naman ako na si Marian ang Number One! And, hindi naman masama na Number Two, ‘di ba?"

Last year, Cristine Reyes was just a nervous FHM newbie who still had to come out of her shell.

12-months later and buoyed by the success of her FHM stints (including a calendar with Katrina Halili), Cristine was simply oozing with confidence. This year, Cristine made it to No. 7 in the local list after finishing at the 15^th spot last year.

Someone told PEP that rocker and now Ligaw na Bulaklak mainstay Marc Abaya is playing sweet music with FHM babe Kat Alano.

Before the official presentation, Kat watched the show at the VIP section of the venue. We never saw Marc, though our source insists that they're indeed an item.

With talks of an Eraserheads reunion buzzing in the air, the show still must go on for ex-drummer Raimund Marasigan. Here, the ever-active musician performs with his band Sandwich.

Sandwich was the only performing band that night, unlike last year when the the Itchyworms and Kamikazee took the stage to "serenade" the pretty FHM girls.

The first-timers: FHM neophyte cover girls (L-R) Riza Santos, Precious Adona, Nina Jose and Hazel Ann Espinosa took a break from rehearsal to meet the press.

All four performed a special production number, heightening anticipation for  the presentation of this year's roster of beauties.

For this year, FHM Philippines adopted the mafia-underground concept.

"Sleazy and dangerous," I think that's what we are trying to incorporate in this year's installment," reasoned FHM Editor-in-Chief Allan Madrilejos in an interview with PEP (Philippine Entertainment Portal) a few hours before the event.

Precious Adona made heads turn when she graced the cover of FHM's May 2008 issue. "The lady who wore the thinnest, littlest piece of cloth on an FHM cover ever (or yet)," states her profile in this year's catalogue.

Fil-Canadian beauty queen Riza Santos was one of the favorites in this year's race. Proving just how competent and deserving she is, Riza made it to No. 18 behind Iya Villania.

Just like last year, Cristine Reyes rendered a dance number which perfectly highlighted her fine curves and flawless skin.

Perennial contender Iwa Moto notched the No. 6 spot after landing at No. 10 last year.

Viva Hot Babe Gwen Garci improved her ranking to No. 35 this year from No. 52 last 2007.

Alessandra De Rossi's decision to appear on the cover of FHM this year did great wonders to push her FHM campaign. From No. 49, Alessandra bagged  the No. 12 spot.

Allan Madrilejos presents Marian with a bouquet of flowers. Was it a way to woo the pretty young actress into posing for FHM?

Startalk's Alyssa Alano continues to enjoy the support of the FHM readers. Alyssa's standing rose considerably this year as she clinched the 87^th spot after lagging at the bottom last year.

In this year's edition of FHM's 100 Sexiest Women catalogue, Nina Jose was dubbed as "reality babe." True enough, the young statuesque beauty's ticket to fame was the reality hit Pinoy Big Brother where she was part of its teen edition.

Nina would eventually grace the cover of FHM's March 2008 issue where she emerged as one of the favorites.

Marian Rivera doing her trademark Marimar hip-swinging dance move. The 23-year old actress has yet to appear on the cover of the leading men's magazine, making her victory a breakthrough in the 9-year history of the 100 Sexiest Women in the World tilt.

Last year, Marian logged in at No. 24. But thanks to Marimar, Marian's stock shot up considerably to the top by garnering a total of 316, 135 votes against Katrina's 123, 239.