by Mark Andrew Oppus
Photo Credits: Gerald James Cabal Of GJC Photography
On July 22, 2017, The Bohol Wisdom School Gymnasium was jam-packed with fans, pageant enthusiasts and watchers as they awaited for this year’s Miss Bohol Sandugo. The crowd’s excitement radiated as each of them cheered for their bets and favourites.
All of the 20 candidates of Miss Bohol Sandugo 2017 went through months of series of preparations, activities and trainings before they all battled for the crown during the coronation night. Each of the equally beautiful girls poured their sweat and blood in the hopes of being the next successor of the crown.
Another highlight of the event was of course this year’s star-studded set of judges and special guests. The event was hosted by Miss Earth 2012 Stephanie Stefanowitz and celebrity host Vince Velasco. The esteemed set of judges was composed of film director Tony Y. Reyes, President Rodrigo Duterte’s Chief Legal Counsel Atty. Salvador Panelo, President of Provincial Board Members League of the Philippines Ria Christina Farinas, Commercial Head of Philippines AirAsia Gerard Peñaflor, fashion ambassador Rene Salud, Bb. Pilipinas International 2017 Mariel de Leon, Miss Earth Philippines 2017 Karen Ibasco, Miss Global Philippines 2017 Maryann Mangcal and actress Rich Asuncion. The pageant was also attended by the special guests, Starstruck 6 winner Migo Adecer and Ms. Philippines Earth-Ecotourism 2017 Vanessa Mae Castillo.
The girls showed their gracefulness and charm during the production number. All of them illuminated the venue with their beautiful blue dresses and proudly represented their towns. However, it was Miss Tubigon, Pauline Amelinckx, who stood out from the girls and was awarded Best in Production Number. Aside from that, she also bagged the Darling of the Press award and the Miss JCI award.
The stage was blazing in fire as the girls strutted their stuff during the Swimwear Competition wherein once again, Miss Tubigon shined through and got the Best in Swimsuit award.
Afterwards, it was time to put their wit and speaking skills to the test through the interview portion. Each of the candidates were interviewed by the hosts and were asked casual and random questions on the spot. It was again Miss Tubigon who amazed the judges with her answers and received the Best in Interview award.
Prior to the coronation night, the ladies were pre-judged through their beauty shots and the talent competition. The photos were shot by Ramasola Superstudios wherein the Most Photogenic and Ramasola Viewers’ Choice Award were given to crowd favourite, Miss Loon, Gazini Ganados, who also garnered plenty of awards during the coronation night namely Miss Air Asia award and the Darling of the Crowd award.
The talent night, which occurred last July 8, 2017 at Bohol Cultural Center, was a way for the girls to prove that they are more than just their pretty faces. Each of them were able to showcase their talents and gifts and left the audience in awe. It was Tagbilaran City’s bet, Bianca Gaviola who stood out among the girls and went home with the Best in Talent Award.
Bedazzled and beautiful in red ─ those are the words to describe the most awaited Evening Gown Competition where each of the girls proudly walked on the stage with their regal evening gowns. The rose who bloomed most was once again, Miss Tagbilaran City, who won the Best in Evening Gown award.
From 20 candidates, only a quarter of them qualified for battle of the Top 5: Miss Tubigon, Miss Tagbilaran, Miss Loon, Miss Calape and Miss Jagna.
Q and A portion, is one part of the pageant that every contestant fears. This year’s question was about the province’s new tagline “Behold Bohol”. Each of the 5 candidates were asked about how they would convince the world to behold Bohol.
The search for the quintessential Boholana was almost fulfilled and the crowd’s excitement in the gymnasium cannot be contained. In the end, it was the “anyag” of Tubigon who wore the coveted crown of Miss Bohol Sandugo 2017. Miss Loon was the 1st Runner-up, Miss Calape the 2nd Runner-up, Miss Tagbilaran the 3rd Runner-up and Miss Jagna the 4th Runner up.
All the 20 candidates deserve the crown but indeed it didn’t matter who brought the crown home because after all, they were all winners as they earned new sisters, new memories to cherish and an experience of a lifetime. Miss Bohol will always show to our Boholanos the diversed beauties of different women all over our humble abode, Bohol.
