Pretty Aklanon Belles

by AMBROSIO R. VILLORENTE

The 12 finalists in the “Binibining Aklan” contest are shown above in their immaculate white formal dress. From (l to r) are Junaizza Mae T. Rapiz, Yvonn Charisse S. Regalado, Ronelie A. Pador, Floricel R. Reyes, Michelle Martha R. Braun, Karla Jane T. Gallardes, Kristine A. Legaspi, Shann Mary V. Patricio, Irish Kenna T. Buena, Ma. Christina Kay G. Sayawan, and Marellgie T. Ostan. Jamela Shannen L. Tuscano is not shown in the picture.

Jamela Shannen L. Tuscano & Junaizza Mae T. Rapiz

The Hawaiian dancers

“If eyes are made for seeing, then beauty has no excuse”. Another quotation states, “A thing of beauty is a joy forever”. And these quotations are once again proven right on the occasion of the Grand Launching of the “Binibining Aklan” and press conference held in the Beachfront, Sampa-guita Gardens, New Washington, in the afternoon of Thursday, December 18.

Those who attended the occasion enjoyed looking with the 12 pretty Aklanon belles spread by the beachfront of the Sampaguita.

Ibajay Mayor Lulu Miraflores was the guest speaker. In her speech, she extolled the desirable virtues of Aklanon women particularly the candidates of the first ever “Binibining Aklan”. Mayor Miraflores described the characteristics of the Aklanon girls who are serving as role models for everybody to emulate. Moreover, Mayor Miraflores cited the relevance of Binibining Aklan in the development of tourism industry and the quest to allure more tourists to visit and enjoy the splendor of Aklan and the gentleness of its people. She also associated Binibining Aklan project with the mitigation program for global warming and climate change.

Hon. Rodson Mayor, member of the Aklan Sangguniang Panlalawigan spoke briefly. He congratulated the organizers of the Binibining Aklan led by Mr. Vincent Navarosa of Libacao.

In the launching program, five beautiful girls and four young men entertained the visitors with their Hawaiian dances gracefully executed. They are as pretty as the 12 finalists.

A limited members of the Aklan media made it to the affair. But series of questions during the press conference were asked. Almost all media persons appeared with eagle eyes asking questions to the finalists except for Ms. Chita Dela Cruz Heap.

Recto Vidal, Jun Ariolo Aguirre, George Cawaling and this writer seemed to portray to the pretty girls their ambition to offer the pretty girls TLC, (tender loving care).

The 12 candidates vying for Binibining Aklan are: Jamela Shannen L. Tuscano, daughter of Mr. & Mrs. Lowell Tuscano, Jamela is 17 years old and a 4th year secondary student of Aklan Catholic College. A native of Jumarap, Banga, Jamela loves dancing and playing volleyball.

Junaizza Mae T. Rapiz is from Badio, Numancia. She is 18 years old and a freshman student in BS Information Technology at Aklan State University. She is a good dancer as she has already won in several dancesport contests. Junaizza idolizes Angel Locsin as she is influenced of her beauty.
Yvonne Charisse S. Regalado of Poblacion, Batan is the daughter of Mr. & Mrs. Evan C. Regalado. She is 19 years young and a graduating student in West Visayas State University with the degree BS Elem. Education. Yvonn was the “Lakambini ni Kalantiaw 2008 in Batan. She can sing, dance and act.

Ronelie A. Pador, 17 is the daughter of Mr. & Mrs. Ronel S. Pador of Altavas, Aklan. She studies in Central Philippine University, Iloilo City. At her age, she already does modeling even if she aspires to fly, as a flight stewardess.

Floricel R. Reyes of Poblacion, New Washington is pursuing her studies at ASU – College of Fisheries and Marine Sciences. At 19 years old, she plays the guitar and does cooking. Floricel is the daughter of Mr. & Mrs. Ferdinand B. Reyes.

Michelle Martha R. Braun, 18 and by her name she is a foreigner. But believe me, she looks truly a 100 percent Filipina. In 2005, she was “Mutya It New Washington”, and 1st runner up in a national inter-school beauty search. Be careful because Michelle knows taekwondo. She is the loving daughter of Mr. & Mrs. Willy V. Braun.

From Poblacion, Balete is an 18 years old daughter of Mr. & Mrs. Noe Gallardes, named Karla Jane T. Gallardes. Karla plays badminton and a reggae music fanatic. She wishes to visit Malacañang to promote Aklan’s economic development and raise funds especially for livelihood and piña industry.

Kristine A. Legaspi, 20, is the lovely daughter of Mr. & Mrs. Leonardo Legaspi, Jr. of New Washington.

After the contest, she plans to meet Sen. Loren Legarda, her inspiration because of her beauty and brain. Kristine aims to put up educational foundation to promote values education.

Shann Mary V. Patricio hails from Batan, the lovely daughter of Mr. & Mrs. Dioscoro B. Patricio. At 17, she is SK chair of Barangay Magpag-ong, Batan. She plays table tennis and loves to read Harry Potter books.

From the world renown island resort in Balabag, Boracay, Malay comes the daughter of Mr. & Mrs. Ronel Buena. Her name is Irish Kenna T. Buena who is slightly matured among the candidates at 21 years young. Irish studied in the University of the Cordilleras, Baguio City.

At her age, Irish is now engaging in business being the owner operator of a beauty spa in Boracay, besides modeling.

From Unidos, Nabas is Ma. Christina Kay G. Sayawan, 18 years old and daughter of Mr. & Mrs. Nonito Sayawan. Ma. Cristina was Miss Unidos 2006, Miss Pag-iririmaw 2007, Miss Bariw Festival 2008, and Miss Development Communication 2007. She is now a sophomore in West Visayas State University, Iloilo City. She loves the book “A Purpose Driven Life” by Rick Warren.

Another pretty lass from Boracay, Malay is Marellgie T. Ostan, the lovely daughter of Mr. Argie M. Ostan. A nursing student at St. Gabriel College, Kalibo, she loves to sing and dance. She is 17 who wishes to meet Governor Vilma Santos for her being a successful dramatic movie star and a great political leader. /MP