(UPDATED) TV reporter Ganiel Krishnan, actress-singer Emmanuelle Vera and former Miss Manila Kathleen Paton lead the candidates of Miss World Philippines 2021 chosen Thursday night by the pageant national director Arnold Vegafria and other selection committee members in Quezon City.

Krishnan is not new to the pageant scene as she previously won the Mutya ng Pilipinas Asia-Pacific International crown in 2016.

She also represented the Philippines at the Miss Asia-Pacific International in the same year and placed second runner-up.

The Filipino-Indian beauty queen also ventured in broadcasting after becoming a courtside reporter of the Far Eastern University, where she finished her college degree.

This paved the way for her entry in the news and current affairs division of the Kapamilya network, where she now works as a showbiz and lifestyle reporter.

On her Instagram account, Krishnan uploaded an introductory video as she confirmed her inclusion in the official list of the candidates.

"It’s official! Feeling all sorts of emotions as I embark on an exciting journey towards @msworldphil! Incredibly overwhelmed with the outpour of support, well wishes and messages," she said in the caption.

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A post shared by Ganiel Krishnan (@ganielkrish)

In the video, Krishnan shared her advocacies and charity works which includes founding "People I Met" campaign on her social media platforms.

A total of 45 candidates made the cut from a field of over 300 applicants, according to Vegafria.

Other ladies who made it include former Binibining Pilipinas candidates Dindi Pajares and Ruffa Nava.

The complete list of Miss World PH 2021 candidates are as follows:

1. Danielle Mayo
2. Sherenade Gonzales
3. Donna Marie Balaoro
4. Kimberly Cimafranca
5. Maricollin Ramirez
6. Ruffa Nava
7. Esel Pabillaran
8. Ann Palmares
9. Kim Babao
10. Ria Siozon
11. Jo-Ann Flores
12. Sade Nicha
13. Mara Ruiz
14. Janelle Lewis
15. Divina Villanueva
16. Gwen Fourniol
17. Lea Macapagal
18. Anna Carres de Mesa
19. Julie Tarrayo
20. Danica Dilla
21. Tatyana Austria
22. Riana Pangindian
23. Mary Rose Guiral
24. Asha Gutierrez
25. Joy Barcoma
26. Ganiel Krishnan
27. Mikaela Leonardo
28. Rachel Valera
29. Ambriel Pascual
30. Dannah Joy Tempra
31. Dindi Pajares
32. Andrea Sulangi
33. Kyle Dorado
34. Shannen Manzano
35. Samela Godin
36. Angelica Datu Famorcan
37. Michelle Arceo
38. Trisha Martinez
39. Pauline Robles
40. Natasha Jung
41. Kathleen Paton
42. Tracy Maureen Perez
43. Shaila Rebortera
44. Emmanuelle Vera
45. Megan Campbell

Vegafria told ABS-CBN News he initially targeted to have only 40 candidates but was compelled to add five more delegates because of several ties in the selection panel’s votes.

“This is a good batch with many coming from the provinces and dominated by morena beauties,” he said.

Aside from the Miss World Philippines winner, seven other ladies will he chosen to represent the country at the Miss Supranational, Reina Hispano Americana, Miss Multinational, Miss Eco-International and other global pageants.

Vegafria said he will schedule the coronation on the last week of July 2021 at either Araneta Coliseum or Mall of Asia Arena, depending on quarantine protocols.