Nineteen-year-old Catrine Rosary Ocampo has the grace and beauty fit for a queen. There’s something regal about the 5’8 stunner that makes heads turn and get noticed even in a crowded room.

But for Rosary, having good looks is not enough. She possesses a good heart as well. As a child, she dreamt of making a significant mark in society by reaching out to the less privileged – especially the youth. “I have always dreamed of helping other people and I’ve always thought of ways on how I can make a difference,” the Batangas born-lass who now lives in Quezon City said.

When she was crowned as the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation’s (PAGCOR) first ever Miss Casino Filipino in 2011, Rosary was given the extraordinary chance to touch other people’s lives by becoming part of the life-changing projects of the Corporation. “PAGCOR through the Miss Casino Filipino project helped me achieve my dream and I will be forever thankful for that,” Rosary said.

Ambassadress of Hope

As the state-gaming firm’s ambassadress in all its socio-civic projects, Ocampo joined PAGCOR in holding feeding programs in chosen elementary schools. She also helped in the annual gift-giving activities of the company where most of the beneficiaries are charitable institutions that take care of the abandoned, the elderly, the orphans, the abused and other less privileged sectors of society.

As Miss Casino Filipino 2011, Rosary was also given a chance to support a charitable institution which shares her advocacy and personal crusade. Being an advocate of education for every child, Rosary chose the Unang Lingap Kapwa Philippines Inc. (ULKPI), a foundation that helps educate children and youth from poor families.

The institution received six computer sets from PAGCOR during the agency’s Pamaskong Handog gift-giving program last year. The computer sets are now being used by children from Unang Lingap’s six service centers in Quezon City, Manila, Malabon and Caloocan. Founded in 1990, the institution had been working to uplift the quality of life of the less-privileged children and their families through integral programs that contribute to their well-being. ULKPI currently serves 19,000 sponsored children and youth.

Representing the Philippines to the world

When she won the Miss Casino Filipino crown, Rosary was also given the chance to represent the Philippines in the Queen of the World beauty pageant in Germany in December 2011.

“It was my first time to compete in an international pageant. I gained so much experience when I joined it. I was also one of the youngest candidates. Though I did not bring home the crown, I know everything was worth it. I learned so much from it and I made a lot of friends from around the world. I also took the opportunity to promote our beautiful country and people with the other candidates and all the people that I met during the entire competition,” Ocampo shared.

Search is on for the next Miss Casino Filipino

After its successful run last year, PAGCOR will once again hold the nationwide search for Miss Casino Filipino this year. PAGCOR is inviting all single Filipinas 18 to 25 years old who are multi-talented, beautiful and has a heart for service to join the beauty pageant.

PAGCOR Assistant VP for Entertainment Bong Quintana said what sets the pageant apart from other beauty contests is that “Miss Casino Filipino does not only showcase the exceptional beauty and talent of the Filipina. Contestants are also required to share their advocacy that will have a unique impact to society. They can choose any advocacy such as education, health, environment, poverty eradication, etc. It is a manifestation of the contestants’ commitment to be of service to others, especially the less privileged.”

This year, contestants will also be asked to describe their Filipina role model and how their Filipina icon has influenced or changed their lives. “This pageant is PAGCOR’s way of paying tribute to the admirable roles that Filipinas play in the society today. She is someone who is beautiful inside and out, someone who emulates and embodies the positive values and virtues of Filipinos.”

Prizes at stake this year are much higher. Miss Casino Filipino 2012 will receive P500,000 in cash prize and her chosen charitable institution will receive a donation of P200,000. Meanwhile, runners-up will receive P400,000 (1st runner-up), P300,000 (2nd runner-up), P200,000 (3rd runner-up) and P100,000 (4th runner-up).

“Apart from bigger cash prizes, deserving winners and contestants will be given a chance to work in PAGCOR and Casino Filipino,” Quintana added.

Qualifying competitions will run from October 1 to October 28, 2012 in different Casino Filipino branches nationwide. The grand coronation night will be held at the PAGCOR Grand Theatre in Airport Casino Filipino Parañaque on November 16, 2012, 8:00PM.

For more details, interested parties may call the PAGCOR Entertainment Department at (02) 852-7758 or (02) 852-7760, contact the nearest Casino Filipino branch or visit www.pagcor.ph.