Miss Tourism International Angeli Dione Gomez Returns to Cebu

Cebu pride Angeli Dione Gomez, crowned Miss Tourism International 2013/2014, welcomed her warm homecoming by her family, friends, supporters and members of the press as she returned to her hometown in Cebu City last January 16, 2014.

She graced during the Sinulog grand parade last Sunday, January 19, on the Mutya ng Pilipinas float.

The 20-year-old Cebuana beauty brings to her hometown the title for being the fourth Filipina international winner in 2013.

According to the president of Mutya ng Pilipinas Inc., Jacquelin Tan, the winning of Angeli Gomez was a rare back-to-back win as she inherits the crown held by her fellow Cebuana, Mutya ng Pilipinas 2012 titlist, Rizzini Alexis Gomez.

“Her winning was really a blessing because it was back-to-back win. Philippines to Philippines, Cebuana to Cebuana and Gomez to Gomez”, said Tan to the press as she explained her feeling on Angeli’s winning.

Angeli shared her experiences during the pageant, that, she was just enjoying the whole pageant and never expected to win. She narrated that every time they (contestants) were asked to walk before the audience, she gave out her best to smile at all times, and has to dress differently from the other candidates to standout.

“Actually, I just enjoyed every moment during the pageant. I didn’t want to expect ‘coz it may turn to disappointment. I just bring the best smile to them and if all the candidates are wearing black then I’ll wear red. I always want to be different so I would be able to gain the attention of the audience…” enthused Gomez.

Gomez’ victory adds a long list of Mutya ng Pilipinas achievers in Miss Tourism International pageant which includes Sherilyn Reyes, 3rd runner-up in 1995; Mellany Montemayor, 2nd runner-up in 1998; Racquel Uy, 1st runner-up and proclaimed Miss Tourism Queen of the Year International in 1999; Maria Esperanza Manzano, winner in 2000; Anna Marie Morelos, 4th runner-up in 2007; Barbara Salvador, 3rd runner-up in 2010, and Diana Sunshine Rademann, Miss Personality in 2011.

Photo above: Angeli Dione Gomez poses with her mom, Gwendolyn Barbas, during her homecoming last January 16 at City Sports Club. (Photo by Mary Jane Catriz)