Herlene Budol, Michelle Arceo, among the first 11 candidates for Miss Grand Philippines 2023

Miss Grand Philippines held its inaugural final screening to select the official beauties for this year's edition.

The newly-acquired national pageant introduced the first set of 11 delegates out of 16 aspirants vying for the two crowns at Teatrino, Greenhills last June 2. 

The ladies showed off their poise and charm in both swimsuits and grand white outfits.

Among the official candidates included are veteran beauty queens Binibining Pilipinas 2022 first runner-up and comedienne Herlene Budol, Miss Environment  International 2022 1st runner-up Michelle Arceo, Miss Elite Philippines 2022 Shanon Tampon.

Other candidates include Binibining Pilipinas 2013 candidate Gabrielle Runnstrom, Binibining Pilipinas 2017 Maria Gail Devora Tobes, Mutya ng Pilipinas 2022 candidate Jirah Bantas, Carla Fatima Tobias, Laica Eupeña, Ejay Vergara, Queen Mongcupa, and Rona Lalaine Lopez.

Reigning queen Roberta Tamondong is set to crown her successor on July 13 at the Mall of Asia Arena where the winner will represent the country in Vietnam in November.

The first edition of Miss Grand Philippines was acquired by ALV Pageant Circle's Arnold Vegafria from Binibining Pilipinas Organization, which held the license for the past 10 years. 

The country has yet to win the golden crown in the international pageant but has produced title holders including Nicole Cordovez and Samantha Bernardo who both ended as first runners-up in 2016 and 2020 respectively.