Alethea Ambrosio from Bulacan bested 20 other aspirants from across the country and Filipino communities in the United States in The Miss Philippines Culture and Heritage Celebration at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City on Oct. 24.

Ambrosio inherited the title from Miss Supranational first runner-up Pauline Amelinckx, who was crowned as the first The Miss Philippines titleholder upon her arrival from her competition in Poland in July. This is the inaugural edition of the national search, that sought an ambassador for Filipino culture and heritage.

The counterpart male competition Mister Pilipinas Worldwide also held its final contest in the same evening, with Brandon Espiritu from Guam topping the field of 17 aspirants.

Both winners have earned the right to represent the Philippines in prestigious international competitions, which will be announced early next year by organizer Empire Holdings Inc., the same team behind the annual Miss Universe Philippines pageant.

The winners also received their own Wuling electric mini vehicles, and custom-made trophies exclusively designed by Jef Albea for the competitions.

Ambrosio was the only candidate who spoke in full Filipino in both rounds of questioning.

Joining her in the final four were heavy favorite Chantal Schmidt from Cebu City, Isabelle Delos Santos from Mandaluyong City, and Blessa Figueroa from the Filipino community of Northern California.

Espiritu had bigger company with five co-finalists, Jordan San Juan from Bulacan, Dom Corilla from California, Justin Ong from Tacloban, Emerson Gomez from Tarlac, and Anthony Cunningham from the United Kingdom.

All the finalists in both the male and female searches will also be sent to different international competitions. Their global assignments will also be announced in February next year.

Reigning international titleholders attended the twin events — Miss Supranational Andrea Aguilera from Ecuador, Miss Asia Pacific International Chaiyenne Huisman from Spain, and Mister International Kim Goodburn from Thailand. Thai actor Nattawat Jirochtikul also staged his Philippine comeback in the program.

The Miss Philippines and Mister Pilipinas Worldwide, both presented by Kemans, headlined the first-ever The Filipino Festival, a month-long celebration of the country’s culture and heritage through food, music, fashion, and film.