20 to spill into spotlights

for Ms Bohol 2023 crown

TAGBILARAN CITY, Bohol, June 16, (PIA) –Twenty ladies would be vying for the crown and the bragging rights to be acclaimed fairest among Boholanas plus the perks of being Miss Bohol 2023, this July 15, 2023.

Miss Bohol, which is one of the most highly anticipated highlights of the Sandugo Festival, came from its humble origins in the prewar, the oldest reckoned period was in1926.

In 1976-1978, the title became Most Beautiful Boholana Quest and then reverted to Miss Bohol until 1982, according to blogger and events host Raul Gatal.

With the Kabataang Barangay, Miss Bohol became Miss Young Bohol in 1983 and the reverted to Miss Bohol anew in 1986, became Mutya sa Bohol in 1988, Miss Bohol Fiesta Island in 1989 and then became Miss Bohol Sandugo as a July Festival highlight in 1992.

By its 2014 pageant, organizers dropped Sandugo and thus became Miss Bohol, up to this day.

Now back after a hiatus of three years due to the risks of the pandemic, Miss Bohol Sandugo brings out the spotlights anew to search for the essence of the modern poster image of a Boholana, adjudged through grace, poise, beauty, eloquence of speech, personality, talent and social deportment.

During the Sashing Ceremonies and Press Presentation held at the Ceremonial Hall of the Capitol, June 13, Miss Bohol Executive Director Congresswoman Vanessa C. Aumentado, who also had her fond memories of the contest as Miss Bohol 2001 candidate representing Duero, told the young candidates to just enjoy the experience, find time to find new friends.

This year’s candidates include Jennifer Curiba of Alicia, 22 years old, call center agent who enjoys modeling and pageantry and advocates for mental health awareness, Nina Luz G. Makinano of Anda, 20 years old nursing student, athletic and loves growing trees and planting and Julianna Pearl J. Ayco of Antequera, 19 years old student and is into literature and advocates for sustainable resource management.

Jaenine D. Carulasan of Baclayon, is 22 years old, Hotel and Restaurant Management professional and is at home with outdoor adventure as well as getting alone time enjoying music and advocates healthier environment; Mel Rose C. Oliverio of Batuan, 20, a volunteer teacher who loves music, plays musical instruments and advocates for universal access to education and 18 years old Girlee Joy B. Melencion of Buenavista, a youth leader who advocates for education and works with youth, children and the aged.

Niane Mae M. Dante of Corella is 20 years old, into modeling and is looking into making an in-depth study on the culture of bahalina making; Marielle Frances Ramos of Dauis, 21, a dancer goes for wholistic development of kids raised by single parents as her personal advocacy while Gwenefer A. Cagata of Dimiao is 18, into singing and dancing and intends to spread awareness on the negative effects of technology and wants to start a spark to initiate change.

Then there is Desiree B. Gerenia of Duero, 20 and human rights defender member of Amnesty International; Marvi Love Bacullo of Guindulman, 22 years old, a sporty lady who has been fascinated by different cultures as a traveler; Apple Mae D. Anoma representing Inabanga, 24 dentist and enjoys music, the outdoors as well as the intricacies of surgery.

Representing Jagna is Roseanne P. Salas, 24, enjoys fitness and health activities and advocates for the cultural rights of local tricycle drivers; Trishia Marie C. Libres for Lila, 22 enjoys the unconventional: thrift shopping clothes, extreme adventures and pushing her personal boundaries; while Lunica Mae R. Logronio of Loon, 23, loves music, pets and advocates for women weavers’ empowerment.

For Panglao, the candidate is Shiela Marie T. Fraser, 23, has been into pageantry long enough to know that more than performance, it is influencing others; Saulog Queen Kyra Rei D. Hopkins of Tagbilaran, 20 is a scientist bound by the limits of her current laboratory and wants to elevate space science in Bohol, for young learners.

Representing Trinidad is Rose Jane R. Israel, 22, a language teacher for foreign students and advocates for sustainable energy enterprises development and rural entrepreneurship; Mia Lei Z. Mateo of Tubigon is a 21 years old nursing student and is advocating plastic-free environment; and Antonette C. Tagud representing Valencia, 22 years old martial arts and arnis medalist who advocates for youth sports empowerment for sustaining education and building camaraderie.

Top three winners would earn for their respective towns prizes in project funds to finance each candidate’s advocacies, announced pageant director Ana Loinda Saluan.

The chosen beauty queen gets P300K for her advocacy, the first runner up gest P200K and the second runner up gets P100K. (PIA-7/Bohol)

ALL IS FAIR (IN LOVE). Twenty young aspiring Bohol ambassadors line up for the media posterity shots during their first public presentation of Miss Bohol Sandugo 2023. They will finally take to the runway after weeks of advocacy and social work including stage presence workshops. (PIABohol)

QUEENS AND STAGEMOM. Stagemom and Miss Bohol Pageant Director Ana Loinda Saluan, poses with Tagbilaran City’s Saulog Festival Queen and aspiring Miss Bohol 2023 Kyra Rei D. Hopkins and Miss Bohol 2001 and now Congresswoman Vanessa Aumentado during the Press Presentation June 13. (PIAbohol)