After withdrawal of original bet
(PHOEBE ARRIANNA VELOSO TORITA
TACLOBAN CITY– The town of Kananga in Leyte will be sending its new candidate following the withdrawal of its original contender for this year’s Miss Universe Philippines competition.
This was announced on Thursday(Feb.29) by April Tanhueco who heads the local franchise of the Miss Universe Philippines- Kananga.
Named as the new candidate of Kananga for the upcoming national competition is Phoebe Arrianna Torita, 18, a Nursing student.
“Ms. Torita, a full-blooded Kanangahon, embodies the qualities of a true Kanangahanon and a modern Filipina whose beauty will shine wherever she goes – inspirational, empowered, and confident!” the organizer said in a statement.
“We need all your support and prayers for Ms. Torita and the Miss Universe Philippines Kananga Organization as we move forward with the competition with unwavering hope and faith,” it added.
To recall, the town’s original candidate for the national search, Natasha Jung, withdrew from the competition due to ‘personal reasons’ last month after she joined other national candidates after a press presentation.
Torita was Jung’s runner-up during the Miss Universe Philippines- Kananga search held in December of last year.
According to Tanhueco, Torita was taken by surprise when she learned that she would be representing Kananga, where the biggest geothermal source in the country is located, to the national pageant.
“She was surprised!” she said, adding that they are now in rigorous preparation and training as Torita will be flying to Manila on March 5.
And in her Facebook account, Torita vowed to do her best to make an impression at the national pageant.
“Tara lets Kananga.Ilalaban natin ito!” she said.
(LIZBETH ANN A. ABELLA)
