CHELLA Grace Falconer of the municipality of Medina was crowned as the Miss Kuyamis 2019 last Thursday, January 10, at the Tagoloan Dome in Misamis Oriental.
“It actually feels really surreal because everyone is so beautiful and also deserving and talented. I'm so thankful and I thank God so much, it would not be possible without him, and my family,” Falconer said.
The beauty queen from Medina also expressed her delight in knowing that she will be able help Misamis Oriental as its new ambassadress, especially in terms of tourism and women empowerment.
“I've been through so much in the journey, and I think that is a very happy feeling because I get to be Miss Kuyamis which means that I get to portray my responsibilities to people and get to have an advocacy which is sustainable tourism, mental health, and also women empowerment. These are the things that I want to showcase to the world because I believe it is a very important issue nowadays,” Falconer said.
Falconer added that she is looking forward to future pageants in the national level, showing excitement in representing the province in the national stage.
“The road does not end here. From here we still have Miss Millennial, Miss Earth, and whatever available pageant there is that will help us promote Misamis Oriental,” Misamis Oriental Governor Yevgeny Emano said.
“We hope that she will be careful with her health and hopefully she will be able to bring more pride and honor to the people of Misamis Oriental,” he added.
Apart from winning the crown, Falconer also won several awards such as Best in Kuyamis-inspired Cocktail Dress, Best in Swimsuit, Best in Evening Gown, Best in Panel Interview, and Miss Le Rouge Salon and Spa.
Maria Luz Victoria Delos Angeles of Tagoloan was first runner up; Adel Ebarat of Talisayan as the second runner up; Chery Rose Lomopog of Sugbongcogon as the third runner up; and Cris Antonette Teano of El Salvador City as the fourth runner up.
Governor Emano also expressed gratitude to all the people, particularly the mayors and the tourism officers, who supported and helped in making the Miss Kuyamis 2019 event successful.
“It’s like I also won Mr. Kuyamis. And it really feels great when, regardless of political affiliation, mayors help each other, that they were able to accomplish and do a lot of things,” Emano said.
Provincial Tourism head lawyer Jeffrey Saclot showed joy in the event's conclusion, hoping that all the activities carried out until January 13 will also be a success.
“We are very much happy that we were able to arrive at the successful outcome of the pageant. And hopefully until Sunday, all the other activities, which we are going to carry out, will also become successful,” Saclot said.