Daily Tribune
Beauty Queen Maker and Talent Manager Arnold Vegafria
Arnold Vegafria FB
Arnold Vegafria revealed that he is open to letting go of the Miss Grand Philippines franchise as he sets his sights on building what he hopes will become a major international pageant brand originating from the Philippines.
Speaking during the contract signing between ALV Talents Circuit Inc. and Viva Artist Agency in Quezon City, Vegafria addressed rumors surrounding the future of the Miss Grand Philippines franchise under his management.
“If MGI will give it to Jojo [Bragais] or anybody willing to accept, I am open if they want to give it to others,” he said.
The pageant executive explained that after years of handling international beauty competitions, he now wants to focus on creating a homegrown global pageant platform.
“After delivering two queens from the Philippines, it is about time I create our own international pageant,” Vegafria shared. “I have to choose.”
According to him, countries like Thailand and Vietnam have successfully built internationally recognized pageant brands, something he believes the Philippines can also achieve on an even bigger scale.
“My plan is put our own. Vietnam and Thailand is very successful. Why don’t we have one from the Philippines to create our own pageant,” he explained. “Apart from Miss Earth. A bigger and better.”
Vegafria added that his partnership with the Viva Group of Companies is part of his long-term vision of expanding opportunities not only in pageantry, but also in entertainment and global branding.
Despite the ongoing speculation surrounding the Miss Grand Philippines franchise, Vegafria clarified that he remains on good terms with Nawat Itsaragrisil.
“We are friends. We have no problem,” he stressed. “I don’t want to create enemies. I always have a good relationship with international directors.”
The newly formed collaboration between ALV Talents Circuit and Viva Artist Agency is also expected to open doors for several beauty queens transitioning into showbiz and mainstream entertainment.
Among the personalities signed under the partnership are Zia Ainhize Arboleda, Nikki Buenafe, Meridith Bobadilla, Beatriz Angela Ocampo, Tracy Maureen Perez, MJ Suarez, Carla Jane Torcido, Erika Marie Davis, Keylyn Pan Trajano, Alyssa Geronimo, and Margarette Briton.
