The smart, confident ladies of Miss World Philippines 2016

The 25 official candidates of Miss World Philippines 2016 was formally introduced to the members of the press on Monday at Sampaguita Gardens in Quezon City.

According to the national director of Miss World Philippines Cory Quirino, the ladies competing for the chance to represent the Philippines in the prestigious Miss World international pageant in December are not only beautiful, but more importantly, smart and confident.

"(This batch is) smart, and because they are so smart, they are sexy. Every candidate walks with confidence," she said.

Candidate #5 Arienne Louise Braga Calingo is a Georgetown University alumna and an Arabic language teacher at Holy Angel University who can proudly speak seven languages, including Arabic, colloquial Egyptian, Thai, Spanish, Filipino, and English.

When asked why she joined Miss World, Arienne shared, "What I love about Miss World is the 'beauty with a purpose' aspect. My current project is LEAD, Leaders of Education, Advocacy, and Diversity, through which I aim to create informal education programs for street children."

One of the early favorites Candidate #13 Catriona Elisa Magnayon aims to inspire people and give way to better education for the children of the Philippines. Like most Miss World Philippines candidates, she looks up to Miss World 2013 and Kapuso actress Megan Young.

"Something that I want to integrate into the whole process is being very involved in my advocacy. When I speak, I want it to come from my heart. I want to talk about 'beauty with a purpose' with passion and accurately represent the idea. I'm raising funds to renovate a three-storey school in Smokey Mountain, Tondo to become a preschool for the children there," she said.

"I'm really putting myself into this 150%. When I do something, I want to do it well, so I'm giving my all to this competition... I look up to Megan Young. She, for me, is the perfect balance between being very approachable and personable as well as being an inspiration to others."

Another standout is Candidate #19 Vinie Camille Oroceo Quiangco, who spent more than a year in Mindanao, including Dipolog, Cagayan de Oro, and Camiguin, as a missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

"I used to be a missionary in Mindanao for one year and six months. I was teaching the Good News to the people of Mindanao. I belong to the The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, commonly known as Mormons. (Before joining) I have asked permission from the head of the Church, and it's okay as long as I value the principles of the Church," Vinie said.

The Miss World Philippines aspirant added, "I will continue to teach children simple reading and writing. I believe that 'Ang simpleng pag-asa at pagsulat ay pag-asa.'"

She also likes to eradicate the fear that comes with association to Mindanao. "The notion of fear will be gone if you go there and learn to love the people," she said.

The Miss World Philippines 2016 pageant will be held on September 25 at the Manila Hotel tent.

The winner will be competing in the Miss World 2016 pageant on December in Washington, D.C., U.S.A.

"I'd like to say that we're ready. All of us want to represent the Philippines, and this pageant has done a phenomenal job in preparing us for this track," Arienne said. —JST, GMA News