A TOTAL of 10 gorgeous candidates of the Ruby MassKara Festival Queen competed for the Darling of the Press title during the press presentation held at Resorts Negrense Hotel in Barangay Sum-ag, Bacolod City Saturday, October 12, 2019.

The candidates were Christine A. Mendoza, candidate number 1, Roem G. Alcaen, candidate number 2, Moira C. Abesamis, candidate number 3, Andrea M. Sagario, candidate number 4, Trecia M. Tuquero, candidate number 5, Vina Marie S. Peña, candidate number 6, Chaira Victoria M. Juarez, candidate number 7, Chainee May B. Ang, candidate number 8, Janine H. Cabrillos, candidate number 9 and Queenie Edessa E. Amarante, candidate number 10.

Abesamis won the title following the choice made by the majority of the local media.

The winner showed confidence and charm in answering the questions raised by members of the press.

All the ladies were polled on various topics and concerns about beauty, tourism promotion; how they cope with life's challenges; and the use of technology and social media.

The question and answer category ended with the ladies giving their views on how the government dealt with the rampant accumulation of illegal drug use and trade in the country.

Meanwhile, the Search for MassKara Queen pageant and coronation night is set on October 23, 2019, at 7 p.m. at Ayala Malls Capitol Central, Bacolod City.