With the whole world moving to a virtual space, Manila Broadcasting Company (MBC) took their established brand already steeped in grassroots entertainment to mount the online search for the Aliwan Fiesta Digital Queen 2020. After a month-long search spearheaded by their radio stations in key cities throughout the archipelago. MBC announced the top nine candidates who will vie for the crown through weekly pageant segments on virtual platforms this month.
Jannarie Zarzoso of Cabadbaran, Agusan del Norte is 21 years old, and holds a bachelor’s degree from the FrSaturninoUrios University and Surigao Education Center. A psoriasis warrior who loves public speaking and travelling, Hannah plays the piano and runs a small business in her hometown.
Jasmine Omay of Tarlac is a willowy 5 feet 10 inches stunner, who plays the violin and guitar, and loves to sing. The 21-year-old took up business management and entrepreneurship at Tarlac State University and is now studying to be an aviation pilot. She holds a special spot in her heart for cancer patients through the Kythe Foundation.
Nicole Angela Crescini (Boracay, Aklan)
Nicole Angela Crescini carries the torch for Boracay, Aklan. Nics is 20 years old and is a student at Far Eastern University. She loves gardening, cooking, and also sings. This island girl has chosen the MalaynonAti Tribe as her special charity.
Esperanza Francisco, in turn, is the standard bearer for Bicolanos. The 25-year-old manages the Front Office at the Avenue Hotel in Naga City. A tourism graduate of the Mariners Polytechnic Colleges, Bem loves watching documentaries. She joined the contest to prove that beauty is not just in a woman’s physical appearance, but more importantly emanates from within.
Katrina Anne Johnson of Davao holds a degree in Pharmacy from the University of the Immaculate Conception. A spoken word enthusiast, Kat is 22, indulges in live poetry, and is heavily involved in community service via the Maharlika Foundation, which offers free medical assistance to those who cannot afford nor access health care facilities in their region.
Bianca Wilhelmina Willemsen of Consolacion, Cebu is 21 years old and studies at Cebu Technological University. She is into karate, baking, and designing clothes. Half-Dutch, she also loves to read, sing, and dance.
Alana Monica Rhedey of Baguio City is 20 years old and studies at the University of the Cordilleras. She is into belly-dancing and painting, and is very interested in the arts and photography. She is active with the Baguio Animal Lovers League.
Sharon Idone, 19 years old, represents Iloilo City. A freshman financial management student at the University of San Agustin, Shawie was born in Italy and loves to act and dance.
Finally, there is Alyssa May Nicholls of Isulan, Sultan Kudarat. The 18-year-old senior high school student is into singing, sports, nature, and cycling. She is batting for wildlife preservation in her province.
These lovely young ladies will compete in three successive weekly episodes streamed live on MBC’s social media platforms via the Facebook pages of Aliwan Fiesta, Love Radio, Yes The Best, Easy Rock and Radyo Natin. The competition segments will also be aired over DZRH News Television. On September 12, the candidates will manifest Pride of Place as they show how well-versed they are in the culture, customs, and traditions of their respective regions. On September 19, they will showcase their talents in the visual and performing arts, or special skills in athletics and the culinary arts. On September 26, following the modelling competition, they will be grilled by the jury in the much-awaited question-and-answer portion.
The winners will be announced and awarded on October 3. The Aliwan Fiesta Digital Queen 2020 will receive P50,000, first runner up P25,000, and the second runner up P15,000. All three will likewise receive the counterpart amounts for their respective chosen charities, while the six other candidates will take home consolation prizes. Special awards for Netizens Choice, Miss Unique Smile, Miss Tibay Tanduay, Miss Charm, and Miss White Rose are also in the offing.
The search for Aliwan Fiesta Digital Queen 2020 was made possible with the generous support of Unique Toothpaste, White Rose Kojic Soap, Charm Fabric Conditioner, Tanduay, and Palmolive Naturals.
Aliwan Fiesta Digital Queen 2020 is a title distinct from Reyna ng Aliwan, which will continue to be part of the mammoth festive convergence which ties together the country’s tourism efforts, but which was cancelled this year due to the pandemic.