(Chicago, IL 16 December 2007) Jacqueline Te, a 25 year old registered nurse representing the Dipolog City community in the Chicagoland area won the first ever Miss ZaNorte-Illinois pageant held on Saturday, December 15 at Crowne Plaza O'Hare in Rosemont, Illinois.

She also won the Miss Photogenic award, Miss Charity, Best in Evening Gown and Ethnic Attire. First Runner-up was Ruphy Anne Pineda, who represented Sindangan. Abigail Tiu of Manukan was Second Runner-up.


Mari Kristine Adaza of Dapitan won Miss ZAMNAI - Internet while Polanco's Maria Theresa Simborio was chosen Miss Congeniality.

The Board of Judges was chaired by Vernie Morales, Tourism Director of the Philippine Consulate General in Chicago. Members were Harry Mueco, President,  ZAMNAC (California) and Alpha Nicolasin, host of Hataw Pinoy Chicago TV Show.

Rem Sienes, president of the Zamboanga del Norte Association of Illinois (ZAMNAI) expressed deep appreciation to the parents and sponsoring organizations for their enormous help; including the Dipolog Association in the USA (DAUSA), Circulo de Dapitanon (CDD), Polanco Association in Illinois (POLASIL) and the Sindanganon Association of Illinois. Sienes also acknowledged the judges, emcee Edmund Nalzaro, glamour photographer Joem Bayawa, the dancers, sponsors, donors and volunteers who helped make the event a success.

Proceeds of the event will fund the shipment of donated medical equipment to the province of Zamboanga del Norte. In a video message played at the event, Governor Rolando Yebes congratulated everyone for their outstanding effort. He also invited ZaNortians in the area to come home and join next year's "Hudyaka" celebrations.