Hailing from Valenzuela City, 15-year-old Kira Eowyn Manansala is officially crowned the very first Miss Teen Tourism Philippines after the coronation was held at the Carlos P. Romulo Theater of RCBC Plaza last Sunday, May 12.
Kira bested out 33 other candidates for the inaugural edition of the teen pageant, making her the Philippine representative for the upcoming Miss Teen Tourism International pageant happening from May 19 to May 31.
The five-foot-eight-inch model is a member of the Professional Models Association of the Philippines (PMAP), also bagging Best in Talent on the same night. Roberta Tamondong of San Pablo, Laguna was crowned first runner-up, while Rose Ann Pangilinan of San Fernando, Pampanga bagged second runner-up. Tamondong was also hailed Best in Sports Wear.
In a post shared on her Facebook page, the young beauty queen expresses her gratitude, saying, “To God be the glory! We did it guys! We won! I am now Miss Teen Tourism Philippines 2019!” adding, “From the deepest part of my heart, I want to thank each and everyone of you who supported me, believed in me and stayed with me throughout my journey in this pageant.”
On their official page, Miss Teen Tourism Philippines also describes themselves as “a teen pageant dedicated in honing young Filipinas to be the tourism ambassadress of the Philippines. Open to 14-18 years old.” The competition also shared a post on camaraderie after their coronation night, explaining, “This is what teen pageantry should promote, sisterhood and camaraderie. Yes, it is still a competition but we should inculcate in the minds of these young women the importance of personal relationships,” adding, “That is what pageantry should be about. Thank you so much to all the supporters of Miss Teen Tourism Philippines! We will be forever indebted to your unwavering support and generosity.”