AT LEAST 19 ladies representing their respective municipalities in Misamis Oriental are vying for the Miss Kuyamis 2019 title.

The official candidates were presented in public during the flag raising rites at the Capitol grounds, Monday, December 3.

Provincial Tourism Officer Jeffrey Saclot said the number of candidates may still rise as other towns are given until today to send their bets.

He said only Gingoog City and the municipalities of Claveria and Kinoguitan have decided not to join the pageant.

The candidates are Kyle Marie Inzo (Alubijid); Cejay Diane Domo (Balingasag); Hiyasmin Caputol (Balingoan); Mary Faith Ladra (Binuangan); Cris Antonette Teano (El Salvador City); Jeza Christyl Relevo (Gitagum); Ruby Myr Brito (Initao); Zon Karla Cabeltes (Jasaan); Mhedi Ali Mar Villaruz (Lagonlong); Rendy Mae Castrodes (Laguindingan); Aira Dawn Rivera (Lugait).

Also joining the pageant are Nina Dianne Beltran (Magsaysay); Rizalyn Bongcawel (Manticao); Chella Grace Falconer (Medina); Ingrid Michel Carumbana (Naawan); Jazmine Clarino (Opol); Nicky Daffodil Bullecer (Salay); Chery Rose Lomopog (Sugbongcogon); Maria Luz Victoria Delos Angeles (Tagoloan); and Justine Miles Abe-abe (Villanueva).

Saclot said the three that would not participate the Miss Kuyamis 2019 may have their reasons.

He said Gingoog City has earlier manifested that it would send a representative but their bet failed the height requirement.

"I don't want to believe nga pulitika ang reason because as I have been saying nga despite sa political differences we have to be united to promote our towns and cities kay gani daghan man nga dili kaalyado sa politika ni Gov. Bambi pero they are active in taking part sa mga tourism-related activities sa province," Saclot said.

The provincial tourism officer also said the municipality will only spend minimal for the candidate since the Capitol will take care of other expenditures.

Saclot said the participating towns are expected to produce their own Kuyamis-inspired cocktail dress for their candidates to showcase their craftsmanship, skills and ingenuity.

"Giwala na pud nato ang casual interview sa coronation night for us to save time kay we want to finish the event in a short period of time," he said.

The Miss Kuyamis 2019 will be held on January 10 at the Tagoloan dome. The pageant is part of the week-long celebration of the Kuyamis Festival which is slated on January 7 to 12, 2019