MISS ASIA-PACIFIC INTERNATIONAL 2019 NATIONAL COSTUME COMPETITION
Noli A. Berioso/Edmund Ong Chua
Miss Asia Pacific International held its first preliminary event for 2019 edition, the National Costume competition last October 4 at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC), CCP Complex, Pasay City. Al the fifty-four international delegates paraded on stage wearing colorful and authentic outfits originated from their respective countries.
Hosted by former beauty queen herself, Kristine Caballero Aplal, the 2 hour show was a visual treat to the people who packed the venue and as well as to the panel of judges that includes the reigning Miss Asia Pacific 2018 Sharifa Akeel, beauty queen and entrepreneur Hemilyn Escudero-Tamayo and iconic make up artist and hair stylist James Cooper.
Denisse Nicole Ligpitan representing Germany won the heart of the crowd and the nod of the judges and was proclaimed the winner of the National Costume competition. Second place went to Amanda Lee of Malaysia and Carolina Schuler of Brazil placed third over-all.
The event coincides with the announcement of the first ever Continental Queens in the history of Miss Asia Pacific International pageant. Five exceptional ladies from different continents who submitted the most relevant and meaningful videos advanced to the Top 25 of the pageant. They are Michele-Ange Minkata of Cameroon for Africa, Jessica Cianchino of Canada for Americas, Klyza De Castro of the Philippines for Asia, LauralynVermeersch of Belgium for Europe and Chelsea Martin of New Zealand for Oceana.
Several special and corporate awards were also handed-out to the deserving ladies. Miss Hotel 101 was awarded to Philippines, Miss Culture Hair salon went to Canada, 3 special awards were given-out by the University of Perpetual Help – Perpetual Leadership award goes to Philippines, Perpetual Choice – Italy Nicole Severo, Community Service – Alexandra Morillo of Peru. Miss Congeniality went to Noy Ben Artzi pf Israel.
Preliminary events will continue on October 5, Saturday with the Best in Swimsuit and Evening Gown awards are at stake.