27 vie in travel ambassadors pageant

The 27 aspirants in the Mister and Miss Travel Ambassadors of the Philippines contest were presented to the members of the media.

The winners of the contest will become travel ambassadors and promote travelling as a valuable and educational form of leisure.

"The winners hope to inspire the youth and millennials to spread positivity and a truthful voice that will rise up against the divisive and misconstrued information most especially in social media," an official of the National Association of Independent Travel Agencies (NAITAS) National Capital Region-North Chapter and Quezon City Tourism Council, organizers of the contest, says during press presentation in Quezon City recently.

The grand finals pageant will culminate on October 14, the third day of the Philippine Travel Show scheduled on Oct. 12-14.

Candidates in the inaugural pageant are: male - Juneson Bendijo, Jonathan Joaquin, Ranier Macabare, Vandave Paragas, Ronald Angeles, Jelo Guevara, John Paul Juanillo, James Vega, Anthony Bona, Julius Lacay, Chris Gallego, Riyu Uchimura, Philip Fuertes, and Cris Domingo.

The female contestants: Jeanne Talania, Stephanie Magno, Rheycel Luganob, Jammel Magallano, Munerah Saleh, Agnes Tolentino, Elisa Taylor, Trizia Abaya, Diane Mag-abo, Eirrena Patricia Estudillo, Margareth Alcala, Riza Carrillo, and Maria Concepcion Malabanan.

Organizers say that the three-day event aims to promote tourism not just in the Philippines but travelling in general, for the estimated 100 exhibitors of the expo. Exhibitors will also offer tours to some 15,000 guests and sponsors during the expo.