Miss Universe Philippines 2022 candidates are turning up the summer heat in Boracay!
On Monday, April 18, 2022, the 32 lovely candidates turned the poolside of Aqua Boracay Hotel into their very own catwalk as they showed off their pasarela clad in their colorful bikinis.
The swimsuit showdown was filmed, and will be part of the pageant's key events in the coming days.
Once the girls finished filming the swimsuit video, they let their hair down in an after-party held at the premier Ibiza suite.
Eight candidates that stood out were named "Aqua Angels" during the party. The chosen winners received a cash prize.
Among them were Miss Laguna Sonja Jeyn Tanyag, Miss Taguig Katrina Llegado, Miss Makati Michelle Dee, Miss Pasay City Celeste Cortesi, Miss Palawan Angelica Lopez, Miss Baguio Ghenesis Latugat, Miss Cebu Province Lou Dominique Piczon, and Miss Aklan Jona Sweett.
In an interview with PEP.ph (Philippine Entertainment Portal), Katrina expressed how grateful she is to be one of the eight ladies to win a prize.
"It’s not an official award and it’s not part of the judging, pero, of course, I feel happy dahil napapansin tayo not just by the sponsors, but also by the organization.
"Lahat ng efforts natin, it’s really paying off."
The 2019 Reina Hispanoamericana Filipinas titleholder dedicated her win to the team that has been helping her achieve the Miss Universe Philippines crown.
She said, "I would like to thank my team, of course.
"Kasi without them, without the help and preparation behind this, hindi ko naman mapapatunayan na I made it.
"So talagang it’s really a collaboration of a whole team."
ENJOYING THE JOURNEY
Their trip to the beach may have been short, but Miss Pasay City Celeste Cortesi was just glad to have some fun under the sun with her fellow Miss Universe Philippines 2022 candidates.
She told PEP.ph, "We’ve been having so many activities every day, but this is the first time we can enjoy and chill with the candidates."
Miss Makati Michelle Dee shared the same sentiments.
Michelle said, "Any excuse to get out of the city is definitely amazing. And of course, usually, our nights are filled with just photo shoots. And we’re getting ready for the next day.
"But now, I guess, it’s really just a bonus that we’re here at Boracay. And, of course, staying at Aqua Boracay is so nice also.
"Their treatment is so VIP, the food, all the way to our rooms. It’s so amazing and spacious."
Before the pageant started, Michelle was able to visit the same hotel during her summer vacation with fellow Kapuso stars Max Collins and Rhian Ramos.
It was during that trip that she discovered the hotel's salabat drink, which was recommended by a friend.
She said, "I was here about three weeks ago before the pageant season started. And then [a friend] made me try the salabat and it was off the menu pa.
"I fell in love with it! I’ve been trying to copy the recipe at home."
Miss Palawan Angelica Lopez also fell in love with the beauty of Boracay, and is hoping to visit the place again after the pageant.
She said, "The first time I saw the place, I was very amazed because it has a very wonderful view.
"And the first time I entered the room, I was shocked because I didn’t expect na it would be super good, like every corner of the room is super captivating to the eyes.
"And I just really hope that I can extend my day but, you know, we have a lot of activities, upcoming. Hopefully, I could get back here."
For now, the ladies are focused on their preparations for the Miss Universe Philippines 2022 grand coronation night happening on April 30, 2022, at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
Miss Universe 2021 Harnaaz Sandhu will also have special participation at the event.
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