Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, February 16) — Mutya ng Pilipinas has announced that it has reacquired the local franchise for the Miss Intercontinental pageant after 10 years.
Mutya ng Pilipinas 2022 Iona Gibbs will represent the country this year.
“We welcome MIO (Miss Intercontinental Organization) with open arms and look forward to a great year in Mutya ng Pilipinas 2023. Pageant fans should expect much enthusiasm and excitement this year and hopefully in the years to come,” said Mutya ng Pilipinas President Cory Quirino in a statement on Wednesday.
The national pageant last sent a Philippine representative to the Miss Intercontinental pageant in 2013, with Koreen Medina finishing 3rd runner-up.
From 2014 to 2022, Binibining Pilipinas Charities Incorporated (BPCI) held the franchise and was able to produce the country’s only two crowns: Karen Gallman in 2018 and Cindy Obenita in 2021.
The last Philippine delegate sent by BPCI was Gabrielle Basiano who finished among the Top 20 last year.
With this development, Binibining Pilipinas 2023 candidates will vie to compete in only two international beauty pageants: Miss International and Miss Globe. There is no announcement yet from BPCI if it will add another title in its roster.
