Who’s afraid of Katarina Rodriguez?
I titled this blog entry as such because – like it or not – the former Bb. Pilipinas Intercontinental is the woman to beat in Miss World Philippines 2018.
But I am telling you right now – Katarina is not invincible in the competition. The crown is hers to lose, so one misstep can easily allow the rest to step in and take her place.
Katarina, Alyssa and Maureen
For the Miss World Philippines 2018 crown, she has two big threats – Alyssa Muhlach Alvarez and Maureen Montagne – who cannot be taken lightly. The top title is really a three-cornered fight among them. They all have the Miss World template cut out precisely – articulate, beautiful, full of purpose – and everything will depend on who will get the highest scores (or the most #1 nods) among the judges.
Alyssa, Kim and Arienne
Now, if Alyssa Muhlach Alvarez is deemed to be a better fit for Reina Hispanoamericana Filipinas (being a celebrity performer and all), then she will now face the stiffest fights from two other beauties – Kim de Guzman and Arienne Calingo – who are being eyed as potential grabbers of Win-Wyn’s national crown.
Katrina, Denj and Marianne
Now let’s go to Miss Eco Philippines. Here, we can see the field being narrowed down to Alyssa Muhlach Alvarez (once more) against the emerging spoiler favorites Marianne Marquez, Denj Magno and Katrina Acaylar. This is interesting because if we go by the peg of reigning Miss Eco International Cynthia Thomalla, then either Alyssa or Katrina will get the edge. But the former wants to get a better win so I would go for Katrina first and Marianne second. Denj is the darkest (no pun intended) in this one.
Pearl, Paulina and Monique
That leaves us with the Miss Multinational Philippines sash that will be another three-way contest among Pearl Hung, Paulina Labayo and Monique Tuzon. This is – by far – the trickiest to predict because Sophia Seneron poses a profile that would benefit Kylah Sanchez who is only 16 years old. So the latter is out. Sadly. I will go for either Pearl or Paulina winning this title.
The cuts for Sunday’s finals – I was told – will be Top 16 moving to Top 10 and the announcement of winners from there after a rigorous Q&A challenge. There will be two runners-up to the four crowned contenders.
So just to make a lineup of my Top 16, I would list:
1. Katarina Rodriguez
2. Alyssa Muhlach Alvarez
3. Maureen Montagne
4. Kim de Guzman
5. Arienne Calingo
6. Katrina Acaylar
7. Denj Magno
8. Marianne Marquez
9. Pearl Hung
10. Paulina Labayo
11. Monique Tuzon
12. Kylah Sanchez
13. Elaiza Alzona
14. Jerelleen Rodriguez
15. Rose Murphy
16. Angelica Estrevillo
#1-#10 above are already my personal Top 10 for the competition.
So who’s afraid of Katarina Rodriguez? I would say none. Because at this juncture, everyone is in fierce contention. I just made a predicted short list above based on how performances in the different challenges have unraveled.
If you are in able to watch live on October 7, the TV telecast will follow on GMA-7 at 10:30PM. Same night.
Bb. Pilipinas Grand International 2018 Eva Patalinjug is on her way now to the pageant destination of her mission. 
Since Indonesian makeup master Albert Kurniawan (left photo) is personally doing the imaging of Bb. Pilipinas International 2018 Ma. Ahtisa Manalo for her upcoming pageant mission in Tokyo, I thought it best to share with you the video of the session he vlogged with one of our Queens.
Just as I predicted with the two highest title, here now are the winners –
The fulfillment of a dream for Katarina Rodriguez – a good crown – after she was named Miss World Philippines 2018. She will represent the country in Miss World 2018 to be held in Sanya, China. 
Miss Earth has a new home – network, that is.
Miss Philippines Eva Psychee Patalinjug is fast becoming one of the photo favorites in the ongoing Miss Grand International 2018 in Yangon, Myanmar. She has shots everywhere – the Welcome Ceremony, the Welcome Dinner and the visit to Shwedagon Pagoda.
During the Press Presentation of Queen of Quezon City – Our City’s Pride at the Monet Ballroom of Novotel Manila Araneta Center, twenty-four (24) Official Candidates were introduced to selected members of the showbiz and pageant media. All of them showed the smarts to become the next potential LGBTQi Ambassadors of the biggest city in Metro Manila where inclusivity is being proudly observed.
Quezon City continues its endeavor to spread Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) awareness through the search for the next Queen of Quezon City (QQC). 
Miss Earth celebrates 18 years of Beauties for a Cause
At the poolside of Diamond Hotel Manila earlier in the day, the 88 Official Candidates of Miss Earth 2018 were presented to members of the media under the heat of what still looked like a summer sun. The number of arrivals was pegged at 90, but the entries of Ethiopia and Rwanda have yet to check in. 
Earlier at the Monet Ballroom of Novotel Manila Araneta Center, Bb. Pilipinas International 2018 Ma. Ahtisa Manalo was given her Official Send-Off to Miss International 2018 in Tokyo, Japan.
She was crowned as Bb. Pilipinas Tourism back in 2012 (along with Janine Tugonon for Miss Universe and Nicole Schmitz for Miss International). This year, Katrina Jayne Dimaranan is taking a big step forward after her appointment as Miss Supranational USA 2018.
Miss Earth Philippines 2018 Celeste Cortesi brings out her Classic Goddess appeal in these shots taken by Owen Suan Reyes. She is wearing a green gown by Louis Pangilinan. Styling by Patrick Henry Mergano and makeup by Gio Lazaro Flores.
Reina Hispanoamericana Filipinas 2018 Alyssa Muhlach Alvarez is thrilled to be the country’s representative to Reina Hispanoamericana 2018 in Sta. Cruz, Bolivia starting next month. It may not be the crown she originally envisioned herself to claim, but she has now settled in nicely to the title – especially that she will be the first to compete internationally and the one with the shortest amount of preparation for the mission.
Next in line for her pageant mission is Bb. Pilipinas Supranational 2018 Jehza Huelar who will travel to Poland for Miss Supranational 2018. Our beautiful Dabawenya Queen is finalizing her wardrobe and awaiting for her official sendoff soon.
Congratulations to the winners of the inaugural edition of Mr. Universe Tourism Philippines. Four (4) new titleholders were crowned during the Grand Finale held at the Carlos P. Romulo Theater at RCBC Plaza last night. They are: