Villacrusis wins Ms. Pinay tilt
Michelle Villacrusis, a 17-year old fan of Filipino boxer Manny Pacquiao, won the hearts of judges and was declared the 2006 Ms. Pinay Marianas Thursday night at the GIG Discotheque in Garapan.
Villacrusis bested eight other grand finalists when, after being asked to choose which Filipino actor she would invite to visit the CNMI, she replied: “Manny Pacquiao. He is not only the best boxer in our generation but he is also an actor and a singer.” She added that, like Pacquiao, she wants to let the world know that a Filipino could also be “number one in the world.”
Villacrusis, with outstanding makeover by Sunshine and Joan of Trends Beauty Salon, also bagged the Best in Swimsuit and the Best in Talent awards, alongside fellow candidate Raneeza Cano, who won the first runner-up title.
Mia Lei Ayson, the crowd favorite, won second place and the Best in Sportswear award, while Jamerie Esguerra placed third, also winning the Best in Jeans Category.
Melissa Lavarias took the plum for winning the hearts of press photographers such as Saipan Photo Lab’s Dr. Jack Hardy, as the pageant’s Miss Photogenic.
Other finalists who also gave excellent performances during the swimsuit and jeans category were: Cindy Agbanlog, Kathryn Aquino, Ashlee de Jesus, and Heizel Ramirez.
Shirley Sablan, Tim Johnson, Angel Santos, Amanda Hayes, Nel Atalig and Darrell Fair comprised pageant’s panel of judges. Ruel Liveta choreographed and directed the show.
All Star Sporting Goods, DFS Saipan, Athlete’s Foot, Taro Sue Corp., GEC Pawnshop, Saipan Photo Lab, World Tour & Travel, Uncle Ben’s Music and Dance Studio and Casa De Ilongga sponsored the show
The event was also held in collaboration with Pacific Telecom, Inc., LBC Mabuhay Saipan-Hari ng Padala, KL Carr, Tonino’s, Gold’s Gym, Budget Car Rental, Gold Beach Hotel and Angel’s International School of Dance.