Ms. Kagay-an 2012 contestants face Oro media

ELEVEN lovely candidates vying for the Miss Kagay-an 2012 crown were officially presented to the members of the Cagayan de Oro tri-media on Monday at the N Hotel.

Vying for the title are Lovely Jane Estampa, 21, a legal analyst; Sydney Taboclaon, 21, from Barangay Canitoan; Laurice Dee Iñosa, 21, from Barangay Balulang; Queenie Bahian, 19, a student of Cagayan de Oro College; Juriel Valledor, 21; Emie Lou Yamba, 20, a sales representative; Roxinne Jearl Monterde, 20, from Barangay Gusa; Kris Pajaron, 20; Greanne Trisha Mendoza, 22, an event organizer; and twins Maria Elaine Angelica Ghan and Maria Leslie Angelina Ghan, both from Barangay Carmen.

During the press conference, the candidates, clad in their casual attire, showed off their wit as they gracefully answered questions from the media. They gamely gave their personal opinion on several issues about the environment, gender equality, education and self-respect.

CAGAYAN DE ORO. City Mayor Vicente Y. Emano (6th from left) and Ms. Rhea Rita Abalos (7th from left), head of the City Tourism Board and chair of the Miss Cagayan de Oro City Committee pose with the 11 candidates for the search for Miss Kagay-an 2012. (Contributed photo)

Bahian almost lost her composure after Butch Enerio of Business Mirror gave her a hitting question about family. She burst into tears but later regained her poise and satisfied Enerio with her sincere answer.

The media later chose their Darling of the Press though they had a hard time picking out the best since all of the candidates have equally satisfied them in the question and answer portion.

The Darling of the Press will be announced during the coronation night on August 26 at the Limketkai Atrium.

This year’s candidates certainly possessed physical beauty, elegance and wit, as proudly shared by the organizers headed by Rhia Rhita Abalos, chairperson of the City Tourism Board.

The candidates will pit against each other during the talent competition on August 12 at SM City and during the long gown competition wearing the designs of Gil Macaibay on August 22 at the Rodelsa Circle.

The search for the Miss Kagay-an is a yearly tradition of the city that serves as the highlight of the feast of St. Augustine on August 28.

This year’s search is now handled by the city government after Promote CdeO, which handled the pageant for five years, turned it over to the city.

This year’s pageant has the theme “Hollywood.”

Abalos said spectators are expected to wear their formal attire during the coronation, passing through a red carpet.

The Miss Kagay-an 2012 will automatically become the ambassadress of goodwill and will receive P50,000 cash, trip to Hongkong and Macau, one year facial and massage service and other freebies sponsors.