By Robbie Pangilinan
A kolehiyala was crowned most beautiful of 12 ladies in the Miss Tacloban 2017 search, the highlight of Tacloban City’s annual Sangyaw Festival of Lights.
Chelsea Fernandez, a second year Mass Communications student of the Asian Development Foundation College, shone in the Grand Coronation Night on June 24 at the Tacloban City Convention Center.
The 18-year-old crowd favorite was also named Ambassador of Beauty and Goodwill, Best in Swimwear, Ms. Eloquence, Ms. Flawless, Ms. Coca-Cola, Ms. Hyundai, Ms. M. Lhuillier and Ms. RDL, among her 13 Special Awards.
“It’s a dream come true! This is my stepping stone to join Binibining Pilipinas and showbusiness,” said Fernandez.
Angela Norwillen Cabel was first runner-up, Ms. Tacloban Top Model, Ms. Photogenic and Best in Long Gown. Second runner-up was Lourdelen Briones and third runner-up was Laurence Comandao, who was also Ms. RDL and Ms. Fahrenheit.
Briones plans to focus on her career as a teacher while pursuing her advocacies.
“I believe that I can use my voice as a teacher to share my advocacy to my students,” she said.
Comandao’s advocacy is teen pregnancy prevention. She has actually started by educating high school students about teenage pregnancy and making them aware of HIV/AIDS.
Beverly Rose Basalo was fourth runner-up, Ms. Cignal, Ms. Ever Belina and Ms.Dental World.
“One of my advocacies is supporting the UNICEF Champion for Children Campaign in Cebu City. I also push women empowerment. I believe that women have the right to be heard and the right to equal acceptance in the society,” said Basalo.
Other special awardees were Mary Gold Tano, Best Production Number, Miss Congeniality and Ms. RDL Beauty Skin; Sam Sarah Louise Torreros, Ms.Hotel XYZ; Annie Rose Marie Abatias, Best in Talent; and Kate Lee Palconite,People’s Choice Awardee, Miss TNT and Globe awardee.
Tacloban City Mayor Cristina Gonzales-Romualdez, who was a former actress, led the organization of the Miss Tacloban as part of the month-long Sangyaw Festival.
Miss United Continents 2016 Jeslyn Santos and commercial model Sean Kyle Ramirez hosted the event, while actor, dancer and TV personality Teejay Marquez serenaded the candidates.