Miss Baguio candidates uphold relevance of pageants amid pandemic

MISS BAGUIO 2021 PRESS PRESENTATION. The official candidates of Miss Baguio 2021 is formally introduced to members of the media for the selection of the special award “Darling of the Press”, witnessed by Baguio City supervising tourism operations officer Aloysius C. Mapalo (third from right, back row) and Baguio’s first lady Arlene Saneo-Magalong (fifth from left, front row) on Saturday, September 4, 2021, at the ballroom of Lafaayette Luxury Suites Baguio. //Merriam del Rosario, FNS

BAGUIO CITY – The positive and intelligent reactions of the 20 official candidates of Miss Baguio 2021 on the relevance of holding a beauty pageant during adversities like the present pandemic, pleased members of the media, the organizers, the sponsors, and the online viewers during their Press Presentation on Saturday, September 4, 2021, at the ballroom of Lafaayette Luxury Suites, here.

This year’s Press Presentation was through the initiative of the local government of Baguio, the Sangguniang Kabataan (SK), Baguio Weddings and Events Suppliers Organization, Inc. (BWESO); co-presented by the Baguio Country Club (BCC) and Lafaayette Luxury Suites, and facilitated by hotelier and Lafaayette Luxury Suites Baguio OIC Russel de Guzman.

The ladies were formally introduced to members of the media for the selection of the special award “Darling of the Press”.

The event was also witnessed by Baguio City supervising tourism operations officer Aloysius C. Mapalo and Baguio’s first lady Arlene Saneo-Magalong.

Candidate Genesis Latugat from Dominican-Mirador barangay spoke of those who are experiencing difficulties because of the depression and anxiety of being isolated due to the pandemic and said, “This pageant is relevant because we have our own platform. We want this to be our stepping stone to make a move that will change ourselves and our communities”.

Expressing concern over the drastic decrease in the tourism industry of Baguio due to the pandemic, candidate Pamela May Suyom of East Quirino Hill barangay said, “We are here because we are carrying an advocacy hoping to be heard, and hoping to contribute in making Baguio a better Baguio”.

“This [Miss Baguio 2021 pageant] is one of the best movements Baguio can do for the people because the people of Baguio have a lot of ideas in encouraging other people to act as very good citizens,” candidate Marikit Manaois of Saint Joseph Village barangay said.

The annual Miss Baguio pageant has been gaining popularity among connoisseurs, especially this event when they are presented to the press as this is the moment when the candidates are formally introduced to the public and the latter’s foretaste of what they are into the beginning of the competition.

To provide a platform for the youth in order for them to start being active and productive amid the pandemic, this year’s edition of Miss Baguio is done on an online platform to adhere to minimum public health standards and protocols.

Miss Baguio 2021 overall pageant director and choreographer Chai Ramos said the top five candidates will receive corresponding cash prizes, and will also receive sponsorship awards aside from the cash prizes, as follows:

1. Miss Baguio 2021 = P 40,000.00
2. Miss Baguio Eco-Tourism = P 30,000.00
3. Baguio Flower Queen = P 25,000.00
4. 1st Runner Up = P 15,000.00
5. 2nd Runner Up = P 10,000.00

Special prizes will also be awarded, which include the following: Miss Photogenic; Best in Swimsuit; Best in Long Gown; Darling of the Press; and Miss Friendship.

The swimwear competition with a question and answer portion will be held during the pre-pageant on September 18, prior to the grand coronation of Miss Baguio 2021 on September 30 at the Baguio Convention Center.

Miss Baguio 2021 is organized by BWESO, endorsed by the City Tourism & Special Events Division (CTSED). The official photographer is Eros Goze Photostudio and Gallery.//Merriam del Rosario-FNS