MISS DAPITAN 2005: THE CORONATION NIGHT
By: Liermie C. Eguia

The quest is finally over as the Miss Dapitan City beauty pageant 2005 was concluded last July 23, 2005 at Dapitan City Cultural and Sports Center. That evening was perhaps the moment the candidates had all been waiting for. Moreover, it can be seen that the candidates brought out all that they have –charm, wit and poise to be the apple of the judges’ eyes and be the crowds’ favorite.

Supporters and friends of the candidates were very undeniably ready for this big event. They prepared banners with the name of their fave candidate printed on it and waved the banner it along with their cheers that in one way or another help boost the confidence of their idol.

The program was formally started by a doxology led by Ms. Lani Tangcalagan and Mr. Stephen Tan, followed by the singing of the Philippine National Anthem and to welcome everyone to the big event, Vice Mayor Patri Bajamunde Chan gave her welcome address.

Looking back centuries ago, remembering the life of the beautiful Dapitanon maiden, the daughter of Pagbuaya named Maria Uray, the Shrine City Dance Troupe together with Ms. Johanna Kay Rocamora performed a ballet type of interpretative dancing portraying the kind and humble life of Uray. The presentation serves as a deep explanation on what truly a Miss Dapitan is and Uray is the best example. From her name itself Uray, means ulay or pure. A miss Dapitan should posses such purity in heart and spirit, a woman who is religious, with finesse, courage, humility and a heart of gold especially to the people who most of all need her help.

During the parade of candidates in their festival attire, the crowd was mesmerized by their wondrous and very artistic costumes portraying the different festivals of the Philippines. Some of the costumes were very erotic and tropical in a way that displayed the aura of confidence as well as the glamour of the candidates. The temperature heats-up as the candidates displayed their “heavenly” bodies on stage. They were measured at that moment on who really got the nerve and the guts to walk head high on stage wearing only their two-piece swimsuit.

To reminisce the different bonding sessions of the candidates, there was a short video presentation of their past activities while the gentle voice of Ms. Lani Tangcalagan and Mr. Stephen Tan gave melody while the viewers watched the said presentation. Then it was followed by the parade of candidates in their evening gown. There was an unexplainable tension in the Cultural and Sports Center at that very moment as the question and answer portion begins. The candidates were asked about themselves and some views in life. There were some who shared all their thoughts about the question that gained great impression from the board of judges and from the audience as well, while there were some who answered briefly to refrain from committing any mistakes in the thought of their sentence or grammatically maybe. In order to build-up the excitement, Hon. Dominador G. Jalosjos, Jr. gave his message to all, delivered by Hon. Patri Bajamunde Chan, the City Vice-Mayor. The most touching part in his message says, “ To all the people of Dapitan City, maintain solidarity for our purpose to move forward.” We can say that one way of moving forward to achieve the goal of our city is to recognize and give importance to the voice and skills of the youth that is one of the reasons why every year we have the Search for Miss Dapitan.

To relax the ladies from nervousness, Mr. John Henry Ruth serenade them sweetly and gently as he sang the heart-wrenching songs entitled “All My Life” and “Closer You and I”. It was then quickly followed by the announcing of the three finalists, the lucky ladies who still had the chance to grab the crown, they are Ms. Diocyth Jane Baje, from Jose Rizal Memorial State College; Ms. Ana Kristina Zason, of dr. Jose Rizal Memorial District Hospital and Ms. Kristine Gladys Elumba of Gallera de Dapitan.

Everyone in the audience crossed their fingers as the final interview begins as if they equally felt the tension of the candidates. The final question for them to answer in exchange for the crown and the title as Miss Dapitan 2005 was, “If you are given a chance to sit in a local tourism council what program are you going to initiate that will help promote the social, cultural and tourism aspect.” The three of them had a wonderful idea on what program to initiate. But the best among the rest shall be the sole owner of the crown for this year’s Miss Dapitan.

The 2^nd Runner Up, who received Php 10,000.00 + 20 inch trophy, was given to Ms. Diocyth Jane Baje of JRMSC. Cyth also received awards as Miss Photogenic, Best in Talent and Best in Filipiniana Attire. 1st Runner Up is Ms. Kristine Gladys Elumba of Gallera de Dapitan, who got Php 15, 000.00 and the title as Miss San Mig Lite and Miss Mary Kay. The Miss Dapitan 2005 who received Php 20, 000.00 in cash is the pride of Dr. Jose Rizal Memorial Hospital, Ms. Ana Kristina T. Zason. She also bagged the following awards; Best in Shorts, Best in Casual Wear, Miss Dapitan Internet, Miss M Lhuillier, Best in Festival Attire, Best in Swimsuit, Best in Evening Gown, Miss Dolly Tuna, Ms. Fix-Ur-Cel and Ms. JAIKOBE.

The other candidates who also got the minor awards were; Ms. Charize Christi Colis as Miss Sara Lee, Miss Chalian Heide Mae Quizo as Miss Friendship and Miss Ruth S. Quizo as the Face of the Night.

The Miss Dapitan 2005 earned such a great success thanks to the candidate’s sponsors; Liga ng mga Barangay, JRMSC, City Mayor’s Office, Potungan Cluster 5, Dr. Jose Rizal Memorial Hospital, City Vice Mayor’s Office, Sangguniang Panlungsod, Department of Education, Sangguniang Kabataan and Gallera de Dapitan. The organizers did not also fail to mention the following; the Daily Dipolognon, Sara Lee, JAIKOBE, Dolly Tuna, San Mig Lite, Dr. Gal’s Fixurcel, M. Luilhier and Mary Kay.

The difficult task of judging the candidates were given to the board of judges, and they were; Henry Elnas, Bernardo Gregorio, Analou Barbaso-Adraincem, Seth Frederick Jalosjos, Minda Madroñal, Roland Mesina, Rochelle Claire Podico, 3^rd District Board Member Norbideiri Edding.