THE Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) crowned 25-year-old aspiring pop singer Marie Loraine De Guzman as Miss Casino Filipino 2012 during the pageant’s Grand Coronation Night last November 16 at the PAGCOR Grand Theater in Airport Casino Filipino, Parañaque City.

De Guzman who represented Casino Filipino Hyatt bested 24 other equally beautiful grand finalists who were selected in the regional semi-finals of the nationwide beauty search. De Guzman also received the “Best in Evening Gown” special award.

“I didn’t expect to win. This is an overwhelming experience. I am so lucky to be chosen as PAGCOR’s next ambassadress of goodwill,” De Guzman shared.

Born in Marikina and raised in Makati, De Guzman grew up to be a woman of many talents. Prior to her winning the Miss Casino Filipino 2012, De Guzman was signed by Viva Artist Agency as one of its performers. She was also a former member of Viva’s Pop Girl group “Eurasia”.

Among other beauty pageants that she competed in were the Binibining Pilipinas and Mutya ng Pilipinas in 2009; the Ms. Friendship International in China where she received the Best in Talent and 1st runner up awards; the Miss Philippines-Earth 2010 and the 2012 Miss World Philippines where she was chosen as one of the 12 semi-finalists.

De Guzman cited that her experiences in joining pageants helped her develop her character and confidence. “I cannot say that I have an advantage but I think the judges have seen something special in me. But the fact that we stood here tonight as intelligent and confident individuals make us all winners,” she added.

The new Miss Casino Filipino added that beauty pageants are not all about glamour but about responsibility as well. “This is a task which I am willing to do because I am willing serve others. With the help of PAGCOR, I can also pursue my advocacy to reach out to children with special needs especially those who are less privileged,” she said.

De Guzman took home a cash prize of P500,000. PAGCOR will also be donating P200,000 in cash to her chosen charity, the Chosen Children Village Foundation in Silang, Cavite which takes care of mentally or physically challenged children.

Joining De Guzman in the final five were 1st runner-up and Best in Swimsuit awardee Theresa Marie Fenger of Airport Casino Filipino; 2nd runner-up Kimberly Pajares of Casino Filipino Hyatt; 3rd runner-up Carinne Adrianne Ramos of Casino Filipino Pavilion and 4th runner-up Syril Dane Mendoza of Casino Filipino Angeles. The runners-up received P400,000 (1st); P300,000 (2nd); P200,000 (3rd) and P100,000 (4th).

PAGCOR’s AVP for Entertainment Bong Quintana congratulated the winners and thanked all those who helped make the second season of the Miss Casino Filipino beauty pageant a resounding success. “We are very happy with the outcome of this nationwide search. Marami tayong nadiskubreng magagandang Pilipina na may angking talento at puso para sa paglilingkod. They will be given employment opportunities in PAGCOR and Casino Filipino,” he added.

Cabinet Secretary Jose Rene Almendras, who was the Chairman of the Board of judges during the coronation night, lauded PAGCOR for the success of its Miss Casino Filipino project.

“I’d like to congratulate PAGCOR for the success of Miss Casino Filipino 2012. It was very challenging for the Board of Judges to choose a winner because the quality of the candidates this year is exceptionally good. I think the beauty of the project like this is on the primary purpose or objective of promoting PAGCOR’s thrust of being relevant to the community. So congratulations and job well done to PAGCOR,” said Almendras.

The panel of judges include the wife of PAGCOR Chairman and CEO Bong Naguiat, Mrs. Maria Theresa Socorro Naguiat; Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) Secretary Joel Villanueva; Director of Home Guaranty Corporation Mel Adriano; fashion icon JC Buendia; Miss World 2012 Queenie Rehman; and TV host-model Divine Lee.

“This is a wonderful event. It’s truly a great honor having me here and I’m very happy for the winners especially for the grand winner. I hope she will continue the advocacy of being Miss Casino Filipino,” said Miss World 2012 Queenie Rehman.

The Miss Casino Filipino 2012 Coronation Night was hosted by Miss Universe 2011 3rd runner-up Shamcey Supsup and model-actor Brent Javier. Among the celebrity performers were Prince of Pop Erik Santos, Sessionistas crooner Richard Poon, Bayang Barrios and the Whiplash Dancers. The state-owned gaming firm’s award-winning choral group PAGCOR Voice Symphony also performed during the event.

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