Iona Gibbs will represent the Philippines at Miss Intercontinental 2023
Iona Gibbs will now represent the Philippines at the 51st Miss Intercontinental pageant to be held later this year.
On Wednesday, the Mutya ng Pilipinas Organization (MNP) announced that it has forge ties with Miss Intercontinental, adding that reigning queen Iona Gibbs will represent the country in the upcoming pageant.
"In 2019 on our 51st Mutya ng Pilipinas edition, I made a commitment towards MNP’s growth and expansion. Today is the day with the announcement of our formal ties with MIO," said MNP Chairman Fred Yuson in a statement, announcing the acquisition.
MNP President Cory Quirino added: "We welcome MIO with open arms and look forward to a great year in Mutya ng Pilipinas 2023. Pageant fans should expect much enthusiasm and excitement this year and hopefully in the years to come."
Iona, meanwhile, shared the happy news via an Instagram post, writing: "Still on cloud nine from last night’s exciting news." She added that she will be guesting on Kada Umaga's Emmazing Trends with Binibining Pilipinas Intercontinental 2019 Emma Tiglao.
"I’m so excited to talk about the big, continental future ahead!"
The license for Miss Intercontinental Philippines previously belonged to Binibining Pilipinas Charities Inc., from 2014 to 2022.
Iona will be vying for the Miss International crown this year, hoping to be the third Filipina to win the title after Karen Gallman in 2018 and Cinderella Obeñita in 2021.