AWARD-winning actress Iza Calzado and Mike Tan of GMA 7 Kapuso Network are hosting Friday night’s Lin-ay sang Negros 2010 Pageant.
The event will be held at Panaad Stadium, as one of the highlights of the Panaad sa Negros Festival.
Mike Tan, who stars at TV program Daisy Siete, is set to serenade the 20 Lin-ay sang Negros candidates who are vying for the title.
Khia Marie Gicaro, Lin-ay sang Bago City, was named Best in Talent during the Talent Competition held at Robinson’s Place last March 21.
More special awards, however, await the candidates for Friday’s pageant, such as the Best in Swimsuit, Best in Festival Costume, Best in Evening Gown, and Best Evening Gown Design, among others.
With emphasis on beauty, poise and personality, the candidates for Lin-ay sang Negros Pageant are between 16 to 22 years old; single and possesses good moral character; 5 feet 2 inches in height or taller; fluent in English, Ilonggo or Cebuano; must either be a current resident of or was born in the local government units (LGU) she represents or has LGU roots up to direct grandparents only; and must not have joined Bikini shows or similar activities; must not have previously participated in any pageant outside of her LGU or school where she is enrolled, be it in another LGU, or in provincial, regional, national or international competitions.
For foreign-based Negrenses, the candidate should have only participated in a beauty pageant within the local community where she resides; must be duly endorsed by the mayor; and preferably the Festival/Fiesta Queen of the municipality or city.
The winning Lin-ay sang Negros 2010 will receive P100,000 cash and a full scholarship for one year in a school of her choice.
Lin-ay first runner-up will receive P60,000 cash and a scholarship of 75 percent for a year, while the Lin-ay second runner-up will receive P30,00 cash and a 50 percent scholarship for a year.
Also competing for the pageant Friday night are Lin-ays Kareen Ty representing Silay City, Rubi-Ann Ponclara of Talisay City, and Ruffinee Reala of Victorias City.
Ty is Miss La Consolacion College 2008 and BS HRM student. Reala, on the other hand, is a nursing student of the University of St. La Salle, while Ponclara is of the TUP-Visayas. (George M. De La Cruz)