URBAN SPOON, A TASTE OF ASIA, HOSTS ALI FORBES PRESCON/SEND-OFF
Under the sponsorship of the Government of Thailand and various organizations, the newest major international pageant aims to spread a message of “peace” through its “Stop the War” campaign for a peaceful and united world. The Miss Grand International Pageant (MGI) will gather over eighty world beauties for a beauty spectacle in Bangkok, Thailand from November 3 with the coronation of its first ever winner on November 19, 2013 at the 20,000 seater Beauty Thunder Dome ( Muang Thong Thani Convention Center), aired live on Thai Channel 7.
The Philippines will be represented by 21-year old IT student, Professional Singer and last year’s bb. Pilipinas Runner-Up Ms. Ali Forbes. Ali, prior to joining the country’s most prestigious beauty pageant was crowned Ms. Sophie Philippines and Ms. Bulacan in 2011. Her high-slit red competition gown and “Igorota” national costume will be provided by Mr. Chico Estiva, ABS-CBN’s stylist and Fashion Designer Bing Cristobal, Rave and Jam of the House of Fabulosa, are also providing her cocktails and gowns for galas and events. The send-off party was held at the Urban Spoon, A Taste of Asia in Timor corner Panay Ave., in Quezon City. The newly opened restaurant is perfect for celebrations such as birthdays, anniversaries or just a spontaneous get together with friends.
The Miss Grand International Pageant’s Founder and President Mr. Nawat Itsaragrasil, Thailand’s most respected TV Host and producer and former director and executive producer of Miss Thailand World appointed and awarded the national Directorship and Philippines Franchise to Beauty Queen-Maker and Pageant Director and incidentally, Ms. Ali Forbes’s mentor and trainer during Bb. Pilipinas, Mr. John Dela Vega. To prepare for the international tilt, the Beauty Queen Chanteuse” had to learn basic Thai language and study their history and culture. With the Miss Grand Philippines Team including pageant expert Jojo Managlino and Mr. Francis Calubaquib behind her training and preparation, it is safe to say, she is and ready to vie for the Miss Grand Inernational crown.
"I am both pressured and excited. I believe every Pinay beauty who wears the Philippine sash feels the pressure lalo pa ngayon na dalawang sunod na international crowns ang napanalunan natin. Bu I am prepared. I made sure I will be going to Thailand not just to participate but to compete for the crown. My heartfelt thanks to madame Stella Marquez de Araneta and the entire BPCI kase napaka laking tulong ang naging training and exposure ko with them.
Supported by Ms. Michelle Defensor and Chef Carlo Escandor of Urban Spoon, Mr. Juanito Chua, Jr. of Megabuild 101, Mr. Jose Guilas of RCBC, Spice Body Spa and Hair Salon, Julius Aldana and Breinard Bautista, the Filipinas delegate leaves for Bangkok, Thailand on November 4 via our nation’s Flag Carrier and asks for the prayers of the Filipinos and support for the “online poll” by voting for her in the pageant’s official Facebook Page. Photos by Melvin Sia.