THE iconic and century old Negros Occidental High School quadrangle was once again a witness to the historic crowning of the school's newest Ambassadress of Goodwill in a competition of beauty, character and advocacy.
Dubbed as “Lin-ay sang Probinsyal Hayskul,” the beauty and brains competition seeks to crown the most beautiful Negros High student that will serve as the new face for the various programs and initiatives of the biggest public institution in Negros Island Region, said by school principal Mario Amaca.
Bagging the crown as the fifth Lin-ay since its first staging in 2012 was a representative from Grade 10. Anneka Zoe Galve bested 11 contestants representing various levels.
Considered as an early stunner after bagging major awards like the Best in Gown and Best in Festival Attire, the morena beauty and Nadine Lustre look-alike marked her presence through a classy and regal aura that eventually proved to be a good character to steal the show's spotlight.
All contestants were dolled up for all segments of the competition: Las Vegas Inspired Festival Costume; White Collection; Evening Gown and the crowd favorite, the Question and Answer round. Preliminaries included the School Wear segment and the Talent Competition.
The four-hour show included flamboyant and energetic performances showcasing the kind of artistic culture NOHS has nurtured overtime in its special classes for the arts. It has mounted a Vegas inspired production numbers and highly entertaining set of special performances from local talents, proving that NOHS remains as a pilot public institution in academics, performing arts, drama and adheres to its promise of producing life-ready graduates through a more holistic approach.
Apart from the stage that dazzled with immense productions, the event was attended by a crowd of supporters who put on banners and balloons to show their support. They were entertained, I believe, after hearing them cheer endlessly.
Apart from the show-stopping performances and student contestants parading like pros, I had a good time sharing the judge's table with former “Pinoy Big Brother” housemate and jolly Ruins tour guide Roger Lucero. Former MassKara Queens Michelle Yu Duyungan, Lady Ann Alquizar and Mutya ng Pilipinas-NIR 2016 2nd Runner-up Fercy Lyn Almaiz.
All five of us were glued, as if a national pageant is unfolding as we see the girls strut the runway with so much confidence. We can attribute this to a freer, opinionated and relaxed environment of a public institution where students and parents speak their minds without hesitations.
This, to me, results to more confident and "open" youngsters. Take the University of the Philippines, for example.
Other winners include Grade 11 representative Pia Bascon as 1st Runner-up, who was also Miss Congeniality and Miss Photogenic. Eirene Granada was 2nd Runner-up and took home the Best in Casual Interview award.
The pageant was organized by Greg Michael Sa-onoy, production in charge; Jeszen Mae Jalandra Bitar, co-chairman; Ana Rosa Fernandez Montemor, chairman; and Donna Bella Aposaga, supervising chairman.