BERJAYNETH Goc-Ong Chee of Balingasag, Misamis Oriental has won the gold medal of Miss Philippines Earth 2018 Long Gown Competition held at Versailles Palace in Alabang, Muntinlupa on Monday evening, May 7.

Her gold-medal-winning gown is of a cotton-white color, low chest cut with shimmery ensembles and a feather-like skirt with an open-slit transparent extension designed by Bea Bianca from Cagayan de Oro City, now based in North Caloocan, Novaliches.

According to Jeffrey Saclot, Misamis Oriental tourism department chief officer, Chee’s victory in the Evening Gown Competition has “opened opportunities for Misamis Oriental to be known even more, especially the town of Balingasag.”

“We pray for her to win a crown in the Miss Philippines Earth 2018 this coming coronation night. Governor [Yevgeny] Bambi Emano has been vocal about his support to endeavors that promote, including beauty pageants that draws attention to our tourist destinations,” Saclot said.

Saclot added that Chee will continue to be the province’s Tourism Ambassadress, saying that her feat is also Misamis Oriental’s feat.

Second place or the silver-medal award went to Silvia Celeste Cortesi of Fil-Rome, Italy while Halimatu Yushawu of Titay, Zamboanga Sibugay was third with the bronze-medal award.

The coronation night will be on May 19 at the Mall of Asia Arena. (Emie Chloie Mejala, FSUU Intern/SunStar Cagayan de Oro)