Our Fair Ladies!

I'm not one to pat myself on the shoulders, but I must say that this year's Miss Dumaguete pageant was the best work I've led in many years. Of course, thanks to the hard working ladies of the Dumaguete City Tourism Council, Linda Basmayor, Baby Amasula, Merilyn Kays and Pichina Teves, who labored and toiled to make the show near perfection.

“Moi” did the concept and planning, and the ladies did the execution. Miracle of miracles, the whole extravaganza was put together in three weeks; “natch” much of the credit is due to the girls who participated, (again the best bunch of lovelies we've had in years), they were conscientious, disciplined and eager to grab the coveted crown.

This year the pageant was done in two categories. The first ever “Miss Teen Dumaguete” where five high school girls from the different private and public highs schools competed, and the “Miss Dumaguete” for the more seasoned college gals. Ingénues Rona Marie Libby from Science High, Queenie Jane Endres from Taclobo High, Rae Anne Orilliano from Dumaguete City High, Lyn Francine Batalan from Foundation High and Andrea Cafranca from Hermenegilda Flores High contended in the Miss Teen and Ann Rose Neri from AMA Computer College, Sudhina Violeta from ACST, Mae Anne Ragada from STI, Alfe Uy from Metro Dumaguete College and Laarni Enriquez from Foundation University vied for the Miss Dumaguete title.

This years' pageant had a Latin/Caribbean flavor. Music, costumes and dances were all in the “ole” mood. The stage design was “tropical nights” all the way. Opening the show was Don Mar and his debonairs and the ladies in “cha-cha” frocks in an apropos production number. The sportswear portion followed closely with the gals in fifties inspired, “very Marilyn Monroeish” shorts outfit. The “chit-chat” portion led by hosts Nikki Teves and Tyrone Tejam, confirmed that the lasses had sense. The judges (for Miss Teen – Teletech's Ian Masangkay, Cebu socialite Therese Gonzalez and DECS Regional Head Sonfronio Thelmo and for Miss Dumaguete reigning “Hari ng Negros” Paolo Mirasol, Cebu commercial model Tyrone Romero and best dressed icon Rosebud Sala) gave them their nod. In the colorful long gown portion a tuxedo clad and handsome be-dimpled Aldred Gatchalian serenaded them. Direction and choreography by Joeren Gonzalez was crisp and innovative, proving that he is the best around.

This year the first Miss Teen Dumaguete title went to Lynn Francine Batalan and Miss Sandurot went to Rona Marie Libby. Rae Anne Orilliano, Queenie Jane Endres and Andrea Cafranca got minor awards. Crowned Miss Dumaguete was lovely and alluring Ann Rose Neri and Miss Tourism went to charming and pretty Laarni Enriquez. Alfe Uy got some minors too. All deserving winners!

I am so, so pleased with what may be “my last hurrah.” Thanks to all those who made this year's spectacle a smashing success!........NOUS!*