06 January 2014- The Philippine Embassy in Kuala Lumpur’s first flag-raising ceremony for the year was made extra-special, as Miss Tourism International 2013/2014 Angeli Dione Gomez was present with Embassy officers and staff, and members of the Filipino community. 

Accompanying her is D’Touch International Liaison Director Irene Liong.  The company is the organizer of the Miss Tourism International Pageant.

After the flag ceremony, she paid a courtesy call on Embassy Charge d’Affaires, a.i. (CDA) Medardo Macaraig, had breakfast with Embassy officers and staff and met with members of the Filipino community at the consular area. 

Consular clients were also in for a treat as Ms. Gomez joined those manning the Embassy’s consular information area to give out passports ready for release. 

During her courtesy call, the 20-year old Cebuana thanked the Embassy and the Filipino community in Malaysia for their support during the pageant.

“The support given to me by the Filipinos here in Malaysia is just so comforting and overwhelming.  It was nice to see them during the pageant’s activities, cheering me on and giving me support.  It was also nice to be able to visit the Embassy to thank everyone for the support and assistance given to me,” she said.

Ms. Gomez was present during the Embassy’s Parol-Lighting ceremonies on 09 December 2013. 

“I was under a lot of pressure to bring the crown back to the Philippines, and I am very happy to be able to do just that.  I am excited to come home tomorrow and meet everyone,” she added.

For his part, CDA Macaraig extended the Embassy’s congratulations to the Filipina beauty queen and wished her well on her reign.

“Your victory is also our victory as you proved that the beauty, intelligence and grace of the Filipina is world-class. I was there during the coronation night, and I was told that you are among the favorites, and we are happy that through you, the Philippines achieved back-to-back victories during the event and is the winningest country in the pageant,” CDA Macaraig said.

“We also hope that you will continue to show the best of the Filipino and the Philippines during your reign,” he added.

Ms. Gomez became the third Miss Tourism International from the Philippines in coronation rites held on 31 December 2013, beating 59 other contestants and making it a back-to-back finish for the country after Rizzini Alexis Gomez won the same title last year.  She was also proclaimed Miss Batik along with Miss Japan during the pageant preliminaries. 

This is the third time that the Philippines captured the title in the international beauty contest, which is the most extensive pageant that promotes the tourism industry.  In 2000, Ma. Esparanza Manzano of Quezon City won the title.

The Miss Tourism International pageant began in 1994 in Kuching, Sarawak with candidates from 20 countries.  The title is now franchised in over 80 countries worldwide.  END