'Hail to the 2006 Sinulog Queen!'

Kabankalan, the fastest growing city in Negros Island and the crossroad between the Oriental and Occidental sides held its annual Sinulog Festival with the customary pomp, pageantry and aplomb. Now on its third year in the grand citadel city hall grounds, the Search for Sinulog Queen Pageant was grander than ever. Definitely a dazzling feast for the eyes, the stage was fabulous in all senses of the word. A Twelve Oaks style grand staircase was the main attraction with a gigantic screen for the near-sighted in the background.

Grecian columns accented the mini balcony. On one side a live band provided background music for each contestant's "twist and turn" Bongga! Fourteen lovely ladies started the show with a parade of Tribal Costumes which was glitz and glitter to the max, more like "Follies Bergere!" Oh, the natives should be so lucky! Television's handsome funnyman Dominic Ochoa and beauty queen Carmela Arcolas-Gamboa, hosts for the evening made their entrance and it was fun and fantasy from then on. Some minor awards were given, most notable was the Miss Photogenic won by Miera Veni Montero. More competitions followed with the fantasy costume contest handily won by Hazelen Rose Ganza, who was a striking image as Ariel from "The Little Mermaid."

There was a presentation of the three Miss Talent finalists, and the awarding of the prize to Ma. Stenelli Ybañez who did an unimpressive, and oftentimes obnoxious "I Am Woman" (so-what!) monologue. Prelude to the interview portion were the ladies parading in blue and yellow daisy print bikinis, eliciting oohs and aahs from the gents.

Powder blue gowns displayed the lasses' elegance. Long story short, the distinguished Panel of Judges chaired by divine beauty Angel Aquino with Mayor Raymundo Locsin, Dr. Manuel Gayoles, Jr., Mae Anne Real, Dr. James Makasiar, Annette Zayco Villaluz, Nestor Jalandoni, Jr., Imogene Kana-an, Raymond Padayhag, Victoria Garcia and "moi" as members unanimously chose NegOr lass Ma. Stenelli Ybañez 2006 Queen, Hazelen Rose Ganza 1st runner-up and Miera Veni Montero 2nd runner-up. Kudos to Dr. Legislador and Engr. Roger Diaz for a visually stunning show, but a disappointing "slower than molasses" pace.

RKS Restaurant and Bar was the party scene the following night with a member of Star-in-a-Million Champion's League of Five, the Pride of Cebu Ryan Racal singing songs that charmed Kabankalanons. Engineer and Mrs. Roger Diaz also wined and dined SCQers Paw Diaz, Aaron Villaflor and DM Sevilla earlier.

"Pit Senyor!" Till next year, keep growing Kabankalan and take advantage of your good leadership!.........................NOUS.*