Twenty contestants are competing for the coveted title of Miss Manila 2023. The winner of the pageant will not only receive a prestigious crown adorned with diamonds, sapphires, and a large pearl, crafted by Arca Bespoke Jewelry, but also a generous cash prize of P1 million.
During the press presentation of candidates held at the Rizal Park Hotel on June 3, it was announced that over 50 beautiful women underwent screening, but only 20 candidates officially received their sashes from Mayor Honey Lacuna-Pangan and Charlie Dungo, the Director of Tourism Culture and Arts of Manila. The sashing ceremony happened on May 15 at Bulwagang Villegas in historic Manila City Hall.
The delegates represent various districts including Intramuros, Ugbo Tondo, Otis Pandacan, Zamora Pandacan, Sampaloc, Sta. Mesa, Don Bosco Tondo, Blumentritt, Malate, Punta Sta. Ana, Paco, Pureza Sta. Mesa, Maceda Sampaloc, Padre Faura, Pandacan, Roxas Boulevard, Sta. Cruz, Tayuman, Balut Tondo, and Baseco Port Area.
Angela Okol, who previously joined Miss Universe Philippines 2021 and Mutya ng Pilipinas 2022, was voted “Darling of the Press” at the end of the event.
The path to the prestigious title is challenging for the delegates as they will participate in pre-pageant activities, including masterclasses in Pasarela under Rodgil Flores, founder of pageant camp Kagandahang Flores, make-up sessions with celebrity make-up artist Lala Flores, and a question-and-answer masterclass.
The grand coronation night will take place on June 23 at 7:00 p.m. in the Metropolitan Theater.
Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray will host the esteemed local pageant, and there will be a special performance by Angeline Quinto who will sing the Miss Manila theme song.
Other performances during the evening will feature rapper Kritiko and violinist Jo Bry Cimafranca.
Miss Manila is presented by the City of Manila, Department of Tourism, Culture, and the Arts of Manila, Kreativden Entertainment, and co-presented by the Philippine Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry and San Miguel Corporation.
Minor sponsors include SM, Arca, and partnerships with Jag, EW Villa Medica Manila, Metrophoto, Metropolitan Theater, and Rizal Park Hotel.
“Miss Manila: Woman of Worth” is a project of the City of Manila aimed at finding a Manileña who embodies the values of empowerment and leadership, making meaningful contributions to her life and fellow Manilans.