MALATE FIL-AM STUDENT, 18, IS CROWNED MISS MANILA 2023

By Nickie Wang

GABRIELLE Lantzer, a stunning 18-year-old beauty, won Miss Manila 2023 in a glitzy coronation that unfolded within the opulent walls of the historic Manila Metropolitan Theater on Friday evening, June 23.

Representing the local district of Malate, the Fil-Am student and model edged out 19 other candidates from the country’s capital city and was crowned by none other than Manila Mayor Maria Sheilah “Honey” LacunaPangan.

An incoming biochemistry student, Lantzer graduated from Southville International School and Colleges and will soon study at the Dela Salle University.

Lantzer took home a cash prize of a staggering P1 million and a crown made by Arca Bespoke Jewelry with diamonds and sapphires, and one large pearl.

“I’m an incoming freshman student, so I’m going to use the money to pay for my entrance fee and tuition. School comes first,” the bubbly teen beauty queen told the press when asked how she intends to use the cash prize. During the final Q and A segment, Lantzer stole the show when presented with the pivotal question, “What slogan would you propose for the Araw ng Maynila celebration?”

With unwavering poise and eloquence, Lantzer said, “A day of change…Manila has gone through so many changes throughout its time. I think that’s the best slogan that represents the changes it has gone through to be the great city that it is today.”

HERBOSA BACKS HIGHER TAXES ON SODAS, JUNK FOODS

HEALTH Secretary Teodoro Herbosa, citing health and economic reasons, says he backs proposals to increase excise taxes on sodas and other sweetened beverages and junk foods.

In an interview with radio network dzBB, Herbosa said the imposition of higher taxes on such products would lead to lower consumption of unhealthy foods.

“Yung epekto ‘neto sa health, nagkakaroon ng diabetes, kidney disease, among others. On the health perspective, maganda magkaroon ng tinatawag na excise taxes on those particular products na hindi beneficial sa ating health,” said Herbosa.

He also emphasized that the revenue from the additional excise taxes could bankroll vital government programs and projects.

“If you will ask me, I’m all for it because it would mean more revenues for the government to finance what we call social services,” Herbosa said.

“We discussed in the Cabinet meeting that we have projects on hunger and malnutrition, and it looks like that is where the Department of Finance will source out the funds,” he added. Herbosa cited the excise tax on alcohol and tobacco as an example, saying this yielded positive results.

Completing her court are pageant veterans Angela Okol (Miss Manila Tourism) and Anne De Mesa (Miss Manila Charity) while Karen Nicole Piccio and Francine Tajanlangit round up the Top 5 as first and second runner-ups, respectively.

Miss Manila relaunches after five years as a project of current Mayor Lacuna-Pangan. In partnership with the Department of Tourism, Culture and the Arts of Manila.

The coronation night was hosted by Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray and actor Rayver Cruz.

A LAWMAKER from the Bicol region on Saturday appealed to local chief executives to help the national government establish an accurate database for the estimated 12.3-million elderly Filipinos nationwide.

Camarines Sur Rep. Luis Raymund Villafuerte in a statement cited the need to catalogue the country’s senior citizens as some four million elderly Filipinos who are considered as indigent are eligible to receive higher monthly subsidies under a new law on improved social protection for this sector.

“I am appealing to our local executives to help the DSWD (Department of Social Welfare and Development) and NCSC (National Commission of Senior Citizens) establish the national database for an estimated 12.3 million seniors, given the urgency of identifying and getting an accurate number of elderly Filipinos, particularly those who are eligible to receive the higher monthly subsidy of P1,000 under RA (Republic Act) 11916,” Villafuerte said. Maricel V. Cruz

Mmda Eyes Drills For Major Quakes

THE Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) gears up for the conduct of a shake drill next month as part of the government’s preparation for the so-called “Big One,” a phrase used to describe a major earthquake.

Should the ‘Big One’ occur, which experts believe could happen anytime, there would be massive destructions in Metro Manila with 35,000 deaths in the first hour alone; over 100,000 injured, and results in an economic loss reaching 2.5 trillion pesos, the MMDA said.

The drill aims to inform the people about survival methods and the “do’s and dont’s” before, during, and after the tremor.

This was one of the topics that were discussed by officials of the MMDA and concerned government agencies, and local executives, during the 2nd Quarter Metro Manila Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council meeting at the agency’s central office in Pasig City last Thursday. Joel Zurbano

Carnival Cruise

ROLLOUT. The United Philippine Lines and STI partnership launches in Pasay City its “state-of-theart” manpower processing and engagement hub of global carnival cruise line, the first ever of such facility in the country, graced by First Lady Louise Araneta-Marcos and Mayor Imelda Calixto Rubiano (extreme left). Also present are (from left) Higher Education Commissioner Prospero de Vera III, UPL president Denny Escobar, STI chairman Eusebio Tanco, Carnival Cruise Line vice president Richard Brearley, and Secretary of Transportation Jaime Bautista. Norman Cruz