A beauty queen from Puerto Princesa has won the best in swimsuit award in the Miss Philippines Earth 2011 pageant held in Calatagan, Batangas.
Jonavi Raisa Quiray, an architecture major, stood out among the 48 other candidates.
Viray is a veteran when it comes to beauty competitions. In 2008, she was crowned Mutya ng Pilipinas International.
“It's not because I want to win another crown. No, gusto ko talaga ng experience to be part of Miss Philippines Earth at environment campaign,” she said.
Other special awards were also given during the swimsuit competition.
The Miss Golden Sunset prize went to Michelle Gavagan from Las Piñas City. Miss Philippines Earth 2011 is Cavagan’s first national beauty pageant.
Cavagan is a Filipino-American mass communication student. She said she should win not because she speaks English fluently but because of her passion.
Murielle Adrienne Orais, a campus queen from Cebu City, was named Miss Gandang Ricky Reyes.
Both Orais and Gavagan are among the favorites to win the title.
Meanwhile, the competition became tougher after a shocking announcement made by pageant organizers over the weekend.
According to them, 9 to 10 candidates will be eliminated weekly until the final 10 contenders remain. The weekly elimination will begin this Saturday in Calapan, Mindoro.
The coronation night of Miss Philippines Earth 2011 will be held in Puerto Princesa on June 5.
The winner will represent the country in Miss Earth 2011 in Thailand in November.
Source: http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/entertainment/05/02/11/puerto-princesa-beauty-bags-best-swimsuit-prize
