The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) today presented the thirty candidates who will vie for the first Miss Casino Filipino crown during the Grand Coronation Night set on September 3, 2011 at the PAGCOR Grand Theater in Airport Casino Filipino, Paranaque City.

Named representatives of the different Casino Filipino branches to the nationwide beauty search are Cherry Joy Demate, Regine May Canlas, Carmela Therese Ignacio (Angeles); Katrina Pearl Gomez, Zyra Grace Vedad, Maria Monica Coscolluela (Bacolod); Jomalyn Seldura, Queeny Rose Yao, Maureen Morales (Cebu); Mary Claire Dodo, Vanessa Ruth Chan, Janelle Tee (Davao); Ranielah Marie Oval, Catrine Rosary Ocampo, Glennifer Perido (Heritage); Mary Jennifer Dimbla, Katherine Dominique Lagrimas, Ma. Benjieleen Nama (Hyatt); Maria Kristel Empeño, Cherry May Hernaez, (Olongapo); Reina Cuneta, Meryl Angeline King, Emarlyn Rosario (Paranaque); Rosantonette Mendoza, Diana Sunshine Rademann, Cinderella Samson (Pavilion); and Christine Mortel, Nadine Karla de Roxas, Shenna Hernandez (Tagaytay).

The 29 beauties came from various parts of the country, with some hailing from far flung provinces like Palawan, Zamboanga del Norte, and Davao del Sur. All the contestants are gearing up for a grand showdown of beauty, brains and community service advocacy concepts during the Coronation Night.

The Miss Casino Filipino 2011 title holder will not only represent PAGCOR in all its socio-civic endeavours but will also have the privilege of representing the Philippines in the Queen of the World beauty pageant in Germany this year.

PAGCOR’s Assistant Vice President for Entertainment Bong Quintana said he is proud of the roster of beauties chosen during the qualifying rounds held in Casino Filipino branches.

The 29 contestants who represent the Casino Filipino branches in Metro Manila as well as the provincial branches in Tagaytay, Olongapo, Angeles, Bacolod, Cebu and Davao underwent rigorous screening before coming to Manila for the grand finals competition. Each participating branch chose three semi-finalists whose beauty and heart for service stood out from the rest of the candidates.

“For me, they truly represent the modern Filipina, in terms of beauty, personality and ability. I am confident that whoever will win the crown will best represent PAGCOR,” Quintana said.

The PAGCOR Entertainment head added that since community development programs are at the core of PAGCOR’s mission, it is important for the Miss Casino Filipino to have a sincere intention of helping the less privileged. “I believe that service is in the heart of these candidates. They have the best of intentions to help people and to actively do something for our nation,” he added.

Quintana also noted that the Ms. Casino Filipino finalists are at par with contestants from other national beauty pageants. “Some of them even had exposure joining national contests before,” he cited.

“My only message to them is to be the best of who they can become… to soar high and dream big. PAGCOR is already opening a window of opportunity for each one of them to make their dreams come true,” Quintana noted.

The search for Miss Casino Filipino 2011 offers P300,000 in cash for the grand winner; P200,000 for the first runner-up; P100,000 for the second runner-up, P75,000 for the third runner-up and P50,000 for the fourth runner-up.

Winners will have the opportunity to be part of Casino Filipino shows and events while the Ms. Casino Filipino 2011 will have the chance to choose a charitable institution which will benefit from PAGCOR’s in-kind donation.