KALIBO, Aklan -- The grand winner of the Miss Kalibo Sr. Sto. Nino Ati-atihan Festival in January 2020 will be given a spear and shield crown.

Brian Briones, a member of the pageant committee under the Kalibo Sr. Sto. Nino Ati-atihan Management Council Incorporated (Kassamaco), said this will be the first time that a symbolic crown will be given to the local ati-atihan pageant queen.

At least 16 young women coming from different barangays of the town are vying for the pageant.

Briones said the crown is made of crystals currently manufactured in China. The manufacturer is also said to be the one that produces crowns for national pageants such as Binibining Pilipinas and Miss Supranational, among others.

"The spear and shield crown has been a symbol of the Ati community for their bravery. We deemed it proper to use it as a rightful symbolism of the crown to represent the pageant," Briones said, adding that this is the first time that such cultural design will be used for the event.

The 16 finalists include Princess Ann Cipriano, Ninna Dominique Diangson,

Lorenz Kline Ilicito, Ma. Valyn Cortez, Harlyn Mae Iguin, Danica Sagon, Lyheda Aguirre, Avery Marianne Sucgang, Carloa Dimo, Jamaima Vidal, Phoeby Gay Billareal, Olive Lorraine Erenea, Nele Niccole Legazpi, Alma Molo, Ezel NMaureen Balayo, and Ynjeale May Navarra. (SunStar Philippines)