JEWEL OF THE PHILIPPINES 2017 WINNERS
By Noli A. Berioso
Dubai based Achelle Joy Medrano bested 19 other hopefuls last night as she was crowned the new Jewel of the Philippines 2017. Achelle is a native of Batangas city and studied at St. Mary’s Catholic High School Fujairah and Merrtiland International both in Dubai. Bb. Pilipinas alumni Sarah Jireh Asido was named Jewel of the Philippines United Continents. This stunning Bulakenya is a BSE major in Social Sciences from University of Santo Tomas and currently works as a teacher at the Garden Angel Integrated School. Their court includes Kirsten Einna Lister from Bacoor, Cavite and a BSIT graduate of Far Eastern University was adjudged Jewel of the Philippines Emerald, Karen Grace Atienza was named Jewel of the Philippines Sapphires while Interior Architecture and design graduate from Mapua Institute of Technology Mary Rose Cajayon bagged the Jewel of the Philippines Ruby title.
The coronation night was held at UP GT Toyota Auditorium last night, October 7. This year, the pageant was re-branded into a pageant that advocates the promotion of Philippines Culture and the arts through education, perhaps the only “cultural pageant” in the country. The 2 hour show was hosted by for mer Miss Earth 2008 Karla Henry and directed by pageant director, producer and beauty queen maker John Dela Vega. Jewel of the Philippines was ably supported by KIF Travel &Leisure, Madison 101 Hotel and Tower, Montage Skin Science, Mileage Asia Corp, Starr V Rice Mill Corp, Igan Café and Resto, Lauren Shoes, Daisy Soap, Vega Shoes, DR Swim, Anytime Fitness – Vertis North, Ultra Green Coffee, ACG Sapla Dental Clinic, STI College – Quezon Avenue, Coco Life naturals and Blissful Escapes Travel & Tour and Lisa Querubin hair and Make-Up team – Official make-Up artist.