LAGAWE, Ifugao -- A fresh board passer of the November 2008 nursing licensure examination captured the most beautiful woman in Ifugao crown, beating seven others in the pageant search entitled "2009 Ms. Bugan of Ifugao."

Lolina Tuguinay, 21, from Alfonso Lista town, was crowned Ms. Bugan 2009 last June 18 at the Provincial Plaza.

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Bugan is the name of the first woman in Ifugao folklore. Bugan is a woman who possessed a good attitude and beauty that men and even ladies outside Ifugao admire.

Her motto "Standards of excellence are not chiseled on stones. That's why, we must keep mastering new skills," became her inspiration to win despite getting zero support from her town.

Tuguinay, who was also crowned Ms. Intrams 2003 at the Medical College of Northern Luzon, revealed that she got no support from any official and she relied on her family and friends' support.

"I heard it is an open competition and so I decided to join," she said, adding that she really expected to win because of her passion and courage.

Tuguinay is the seventh of the nine siblings of Alfredo, a farmer, and Lolita, a housekeeper who became her driving force to continue with the search. She was also awarded best in physical beauty, Ms. Poise, and Ms. Avon.

Maureen Maddul and Jamaica Dulnuan, both from Lagawe, placed second and third, respectively.

Maddul, a junior mass communication student at the University of Baguio, also captured the best in talent, evening gown, and Ms. Benevolence awards; while Dulnuan, a tourism sophomore at the University of the Cordilleras, captured the best in ethnic attire award.

The search is part of the 2009 celebration of Gotad ad Ifugao festival from June 16 to 19 and the 43rd Ifugao Foundation Day. Judges for the event were local officials led by Governor Teddy Baguilat Jr.

Last year's titleholder, Junessa Dawayen, was not around during the coronation night, but organizers headed by Board Member Jojo Odan pushed through with the awarding.

According to Tuguinay, she is prepared to take on the obligations and responsibilities and be a model to the youth. She will represent the province in outside events where her participation is needed.

The competition was graced by Mayors Romeo Chulana of Mayoyao, Francisco Tenenan of Lamut, Pablo Cuyahon of Hungduan, and Cessario Cabbigat of Lagawe, and joined by thousands from the various municipalities of the province.

The beauty pageant was sponsored by the Ifugao Provincial Government, Odan, Avon-Ifugao, among others.