Philippine Festivals

‘If others can, why can’t I?’

Posted on April 15th, 2007 by mvg.
Categories: Uncategorized.

Erwin Ambo S. Delilan

OF the 23 candidates vying for this year’s Lin-ay sang Negros crown, Frebejean Bartolo of Don Salvador Benedicto (DSB) town, the youngest town in Negros Occidental, is one among the first-timers with no experience at all in joining beauty contest.

But she said, “If others can, why I can’t I?” Coming from a mountainous town in central Negros, Frebejean, a graduate of Seafaring/Catering and Stewarding course from VMA Global College, is unfazed by the trending that Lin-ay pageant is largely for the veteran beauty contestants or for bets coming from progressive towns and cities.

In yesterday’s press presentation held at the Social Hall of the Provincial Capitol, she said, “I know how to walk and probably that’s my asset. Although, I feel nervous joining this pageant, yet I know that I still have something being kept right and this will be my asset during the pageant night.

In the 13-year history of the Pageant, none from DSB has been crowned Lin-ay sang Negros yet.

Lin-ay queens include Beatrice Lopez (Himamaylan City), Mita Enteria (Hinigaran), Jennifer Legaspi (Sagay City), Jerene Vinco (Hinoba-an), Wilva Ann Cadianza (La Castellana), Ma. Victoria Durana (Victorias City), Liezle Belonio (Silay City), Ritchie Mediavilla (San Enrique), Sharon Mallorca (Murcia), Mig Urmeneta (Sagay City), Riza Liz Catalan (Sagay City) and Jan Nicole Puentevella (Bacolod City).

Asked what encouraged her to join the pageant, Frebejean simply replied: “The people in our community at Spur 16, Barangay Bunga, my best friend, among others where I get my strength right now.”

Criminology student

Another first timer is Aprille Paz Felicisimo of Hinigaran town.

A tall, dark and beautiful lady, Aprille Paz is currently studying B.S. Criminology at the University of Negros Occidental-Recoletos (UNO-R).

“Joining this contest is a challenge for me being a Criminology student. This kind of challenge will help me  grow and become a true woman,” she emphasized.

Veteran

Bacolod’s bet Crister Mari Taclobos, on the other hand, doesn’t consider herself a veteran in beauty contest, although, she had been into several contests and was crowed Miss Freshmen and Miss UNO-R Bacolod in 2005, Mutya ng NOPSSCEA also in 2005 and a runner-up in the Masskara Queen pageant last year.

“Yes, I’ve already joined several beauty contests, but I don’t consider myself a veteran for this particular event.  Until now, I am still scared up stage, especially during the question and answer portion.

However, having joined several beauty pageants and won several crowns, I would say that I have a small edge over 22 other candidates,” Taclobos said.

Nonetheless, she stressed, “I’ll do my best to win in this Lin-ay pageant.”

Mother’s dream

Katherine Rosal of Binalbagan town, on the other hand, said joining Lin-ay search is a way of fulfilling the dream of her late mother Lea Rosal.

“It’s  my mom’s dream to see me on stage but unfortunately she passed away.  I need to pursue what her dream for me, though,” Katherine told the press people.

She’s currently studying BS Nursing at the University of San Agustin in Iloilo City.

Pre-marital sex

Ilog’s Gretchen Simple encouraged her fellow youth especially the girls to refrain from submitting themselves to pre-marital sex.

“It’s against the law of God and men. We should avoid it,” she said.

The same contention was echoed by Berlyn Grace Tolentino of Kabankalan City.

Dance Sports lover

Lin-ay sang Bago Madel Magbanua loves dance sports.

A senior high school student of Ramon Torres National High School, Madel is the daughter of  Mr. and Mrs. Romel Magbanua.

Being the youngest among the 23 candidates, Madel said,  “Joining Lin-ay is to develop my self-confidence and skills on dealing with other people and to prove to myself and to others that anyone could achieve if they put their minds to it.”

Taekwondo enthusiast

Xyza Aburido Magbulogtong of Calatrava town is a taekwondo enthusiast.

A daughter of Mr. and Mrs.Edilberto  Magbulogtong, Xyza is currently an Information Technology student of St. Joseph Computer Learning Center in San Carlos City, Negros Occidental.

She also confesses her love in dancing and acting.

“I joined Lin-ay because I want to develop my self-confidence and expose my talent,’ she adds.

Meanwhile, Lin-ay pageant director Rene Hinojales said this year’s Lin-ay sang Negros will recieve P100,000 cash prize, a one year scholarship grant from the province in any private or public college or university in the province, with a monthly stipend and uniform allowance, or a one year job contract at the Provincial Government, if she is already a college graduate.

The first runner-up will receive P60,000 and P30,000 for second runner-up.

This year’s pageant will highlight Negros as more than a sugar province and while the evening gown competition will be inspired by lace collections, added Hinojales.

While actor TJ Trinidad will host the pageant with a lot of celebrities and beauty titlists from Manila are coming to grace the coronation night on April 20 at the Pana-ad Park and Stadium in Mansilingan, Bacolod.

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