Jewel of the World 2018 pageant launched in historic Malolos
The inaugural Jewel of the World beauty pageant, an international contest that celebrates cultural diversity, kicked off in the historic city of Malolos in Bulacan over the weekend. "Jewel of the World pageant is a celebration of the multi-cultural world we all live in through a super bowl of beauty that highlights the distinct and unique cultural and heritage of the participating countries. It is inspired by the May 21 declaration of the UN General Assembly as the World Day for Cultural Diversity," said John dela Vega, director of the pageant, during an interview. Twelve countries are competing for the first Jewel of the World contest. The candidates are Kristina Zamir, Azerbaijan; Laurra Kofi, Cote D' Ivoire; Claire Boucau, France; Manpreet Kaur Sekhon, India; Miki Kojima, Japan; Ji Young Park, Korea; Ashley Tang Ci En, Malaysia; Chit Myat Noe Htike, Myanmar; Sapana Bhetwal, Nepal; Achelle Joy Medrano, Philippines; Neena Bezuidenhout, South Africa; and Raffha Kh...