Local student named Miss Teen Pilipinas 2022

By Kelsey Hipkin – Local Press Writer
Local Grade 10 student Ashley Mandac was named Miss Teen Pilipinas Canada Oct. 9 at the Bella Concert Hall, Mount Royal University in Calgary.
Mandac first heard about the event at one of the Claresholm Canada Day celebration market booths, and her mom Genalin suggested it would be a good idea to participate.
Ashley, who participates in modeling and fashion shows among her schooling, sports and working at Tim Horton’s was hesitant at first, but fully committed when she learned a friend would be participating as well.
“She convinced me, and then we did some practices and I felt like I wanted to go,” she said.
Ashley and Genalin made regular drives into Calgary every weekend for a month of practice sessions, including choreographed dances.
“I registered her to get her proper training, how to walk, how to project, how to present herself,” explained Genalin.
Sponsored by her mom’s company, Ashley participated in the big event Oct. 9, and her practice would come to fruition as not only did she win the Miss Teen title, but the Congeniality and Swimsuit titles as well, out of 21 contestants.
As well as Miss Teen, the Pilipinas Canada event crowns Miss Pilipinas, Mrs. Pilipinas, Mister Teen Pilipinas and Mister Pilipinas with participant categories ranging from evening gown, to festival wear, to talent, to a question and answer period.
Among the duties of holding the crown, Mandac has already participated in a radio interview with CHKF Fairchild Radio 94.7, and will be on hand at the 2023 Pilipinas pageant to pass the crown to her successor.
“We did drive a lot and it was a long time… but I liked it because I had practices with my friends and we had fun, as well as training,” Ashley said.
Looking forward Ashley will don sneakers instead of a crown as she’s hopeful to make the high school basketball team for its upcoming season.