It seemed like a collective call to counter the current political, economic, and cultural conflicts in the country and around the world.

This was the perception when all the 24 ladies vying for this year's Lin-ay sang Negros crown yesterday advocated for personal knowledge and change as a jumpstart for social transformation, unity, and peace.

Kristine Alonso, MassKara Queen 2007 first runner-up, said, “You need to look at the core of ourselves first before you look at the core of others as this will lead to unity and harmony.”

“If we can't help find the solution to social problems, we should not at least cause it,” Analou Ogan, of Sagay City, said.

The candidates, who were presented to the media at the Provincial Capitol yesterday, emphasized the value of starting societal change through the individual.

E.B. Magalona's reigning Miss Ugyonan 2007, Gretel Shyne Abastillas, whose response elicited applause from reporters, government officials and employees, said “If there's righteousness in the heart, there will be beauty in the character. If there's beauty in the character, there will be harmony in the home. If there's harmony in the home, there will be order in the nation. If there's order in the nation, there will be, definitely, peace in the world.”

Other contenders for the title from some of the province's cities and towns are Frances Dawn Montuya – Bago City, Heather May Perocho – Binalbagan, Cleo Soledad – Cadiz City, Irene Soroño – Calatrava, Ariane Cabaylo – Candoni, Rhea Kris Mejorada – Cauayan, Dorielyn Ugbinada – Don Salvador Benidicto, and Maycy Dumdum – Escalante.

Melanie Flor Agustin of Himamaylan, Karlyn May Bautista of Hinigaran, Rinalyn Elarmo of Hinoba-an, Aida Mari Enuslay of Isabela, Nella Ruth Peralta of Kabankalan, Sydney Rivera of La Castellana, Chariza Sultan of Moises Padilla, and Riza Basa of Murcia, also vying for the crown.

Silay's Jemalin Grace Pastoral, Dari Grace de Gracia of Sipalay, Jade Mariz Penado of Talisay, Princesslyn Dignadice of Valladolid, and Mona Gail D'Angelo of Victorias are also among the show's participants.

The coronation night of the 2008 Lin-ay sang Negros  at the Panaad Stadium in Barangay Mansilingan, Bacolod City, will be on May 2.*PP

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