TO BE a beauty queen means taking challenges, going out of her comfort zones, and representing the best of a woman -- this is how Nichole Pesado Marquez brought home the bacon as she was crowned as Binibining Davao Oriental 2019 at the Capitol covered court of the Provincial Capitol Complex in Mati City on June 29, 2019.
The new queen impressed the judges and the cheering crowd with her striking beauty, self-confidence, and intelligence, which have made her an ideal partner of the Provincial Government in "contributing [to] inclusive development."
During the Q&A portion, the former Mutya ng Mati 2016 and Miss Philippines-Earth 2017 Southern Mindanao bested other candidates. They were asked with the same question: "The thrust of the province is to have a lasting peace and promote sustainable development. However, our country faces problems such as poverty, criminality, and inequality that hinder inclusive development. If given the opportunity to become the Binibining Davao Oriental, what can you do to contribute to inclusive development?"
"If I will be crowned as Binibining Davao Oriental, I will promote my advocacy. My advocacy is environmental awareness and tourism development using the information and education campaign. Through this, they can be aware of something. A certain person can take action if they are knowledgeable enough of a certain task. So if they know something about tourism, they can convert it into a livelihood program where they can meet their basic needs so they can live a harmonious life."
Marquez also bagged the Best in Gown award.
Joining Marquez in her court is first runner-up Myrell Martinez (Lupon), second runner-up Gertrude Louisse Gundino (Caraga), third runner-up Shania Daphne Donga (Baganga), and Shine Kate Shane Cani (Governor Generoso).
Special awards were given to: Binibining Caraga as Miss Photogenic, Binibining Tarragona as Miss Congeniality, Binibining Manay as Best in Casual Wear, and Binibining Gov. Gen as Best in Play Suit.
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