ANGELES CITY -- The grandeur of the Filipino tradition of the Flores De Mayor has never been more highlighted than this year’s Angeles University Foundation (AUF) and SM City Clark’s joint staging the Search for the Reyna Ning Flores de Mayo 2009.

The entire stretch of the SM City Clark visually stopped in faithful homage, adoration and blissful admiration as 22 young ladies from the different towns and cities of Pampanga promenaded Saturday night inside the most ambitious arches wearing original creations of local designers.

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The colorful pageant parade is considered as the province’s grandest Flores de Mayo competition ever in the tradition of the native Flores De Mayo.

Flores de Mayo is a Catholic festival held in the Philippines in the month of May. It lasts for a month, and is held in honor of the Virgin Mary. The Santa Cruzan is a parade held on the last day of Flores de Mayo in honor of Reyna Elena.

AUF president Ricardo Pama said the event aims to promote local tradition by enjoining students to participate in the affair. The event is also for the benefit of charity patients at the AUF Medical Center and AUF scholars.

“This event also educates our students on their local culture as well as promote local artistry,” Pama said.

Commission on Higher Education (Ched) chairman Emmanuel Y. Angeles, who graced the activity, said the event staged inside the mall premises was able to attract more spectators. Angeles said that other cultural presentations can also be staged following the recent AUF-SM event.

Now on its fourth successful year, the event hailed the winners of this year’s competition in the persons of Camille Conchita Galang (4th runner-up), Leonica Clare Tablante (3rd runner-up), Criselle Ann Sangayu (2nd runner-up) and Shaira Sandhu (1st runner-up).

Michelle Dootney was crowned as this year’s Reyna ning Flores de Mayo.

Best Filipino Gown awards were also given to Lara Isabelle Dizon (3rd Best Filipino Gown), Gienna Mirela Catalig (2nd Best Filipino Gown) and Criselle Ann Sanguyu (Best Filipino Gown. The Catalig’s gown was done by designer Jhune Angeles while Dizon and Sanguyu’s gowns were crafted by designer Frederick Angeles.

The winning sagalas received P30,000 - grand winner; P20,000 - 1st runner-up; and P10,000 – 2nd runner-up. Other major awards were also given to Jayson Patio (3rd Best Arc), John Ong (2nd Best Arc), and Adrian Quindo (Best Arc).

It was indeed a magical night in honor of the most beautiful faces of Pampanga.