Beyond the usual beauty, body, and brain elements, three 2007 Lin-ay sang Negros contenders literally come with a kick.

Two are taekwondo jins while one is a karate belter. Ms. Bacolod City Christer Mari Taclobos said she joined the RENZOKU Martial Arts Academy's karate program to be able to fend off potential maulers.

The 18-year-old orange belter has since enjoyed the sport and even won the Best in Talent Award in last year's MassKara Queen pageant after she broke hollow blocks on stage.

On the other hand, Ms. E.B. Magalona Ma. Corazon Bilbao, and Ms. Calatrava Xyza Magbulogtong said they are taekwondo enthusiasts.

Bilbao, 18, said she was encouraged by a cousin to try taekwondo when she was a junior in high school and she has already won two tournaments with her 45-degree and roundhouse kicks, while Magbulogtong also likes to act and dance.

Magbulogtong, a first-timer in beauty pageants, also said she wants to showcase her talents and develop her confidence through the Lin-ay sang Negros.

Taclobos was also a delegate to the Sports Congress of the SMILE Bacolod Youth program headed by councilor Jocelle Batapa-Sigue and is an Ambassadress of Goodwill at the University of Negros Occidental-Recoletos where she studies Medical Technology, while Bilbao was the president of her high school's student government when she was in second year.

Taclobos, who dreams of being a surgeon, said that in the four beauty contests she has joined, she was always the fifth contestant and when other candidates intimidate her, it inspires her to perform better. Bilbao, who used to edit the St. Joseph Academy's student magazine, also loves to cook.

Along with 20 other candidates, Taclobos, Bilbao, and Mabulogtong will vie for the Lin-ay Sang Negros title on April 20 at the Panaad Park and Stadium with their beauty, bodies, brains, and yes, their kicks.* PP

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