EDITORIAL

Congratulations ATVI!

Aklan Talent Ventures, Inc. (ATVI) deserves sincere congra-tulations from all Aklanons. For the first ever, in the history of Aklan, it is ATVI which thought of and implemented "Binibining Aklan". After the proclamation of the first Binibining Aklan 2009 in the ABL Sports Complex, Capitol, Kalibo, Aklan at dawn of January 15, everybody concluded, "the show is great". It must be continued annually to coincide with the Sto. Niño Ati-Atihan festival in January of every year.

ATVI has gathered 12 pretty girls in their teens as finalists for Binibining Aklan 2009. These young girls came from almost all towns of Aklan and are studying. They are Jamela Shanen L. Tuscano–17 of Jumarap, Banga; Junaizza Mae T. Rapiz–18 of Badio, Numancia; Yvonn Charisse S. Regalado–19 of Poblacion, Batan; Ronelie S. Pador–17 of Poblacion, Altavas; Floricel R. Reyes–19 of Poblacion, New Washington; Michelle Martha R. Braun–18 of Estancia, Kalibo; Karla Jane T. Gallardes–18 of Poblacion, Balete; Kristine A. Legaspi–20 of Poblacion, New Washing-ton; Shann Mary V. Patricio–17 of Batan; Irish Kenna T. Buena–21 of Balabag, Malay; Ma. Cristina Kay G. Sayawan–18 of Unidos, Nabas; and Marellgie T. Ostan–17 of Boracay, Malay.

All these candidates were presented to the public during the grand launching and press conference held at Beach-front, Sampaguita Gardens, New Washington in the afternoon of Thursday, December 18, 2008.

Dressed in immaculate white, they appeared like white ladies with brilliance in style and poise. Their abilities to follow protocol of any probable situation and skills to answer questions from a limited member of the Aklan tri-media were tested.

The candidates exposed their God given bodies in their respective swimwear and their talents discovered in a swimwear and talent competitions held in Grand Vista Resort and Spa in Boracay on January 2. The search ended in a 4-hour long coronation pageant where candidates No. 6, Michelle Martha R. Braun was proclaimed Binibining Aklan 2009. Proclaimed with her are the 1st runner up–Jamela Shannen Tuscano, and 2nd runner up–Ronelie A. Pador.

Binibining Aklan 2009, Michelle, is one of the crowd favorites who won the Miss Talent title. She is also the "Darling of the Press".

ATVI which organized the Binibining Aklan Search is a stock corporation which aims to improve the well-roundedness of the Aklanons by developing special talents and skills through pageantry, to expose skills for various worthy endeavors, and to promote and advocate for conducive environment, tourism, cultural enhance-ment, beauty, and help the local government in the upliftment of the living condition of the people, particularly the Aklanons.

ATVI is chaired by Mr. Vincent Icamina Navarosa of Libacao, Aklan. The pageant director is Mr. Edwin Autencio.

By holding pageantries, ATVI will be able to raise funds to finance environ-ment and tourism projects. Pageantry is also envisioned to show beautiful spots of Aklan and to portray the charm, beauty and unique features of the Aklanons. It will showcase Aklan’s good sight, sound and sceneries.
ATVI is one of the prime movers of Earth Day Network activities in the province of Aklan and this first ever Binibining Aklan search forms part of the 2009 highlights celebration of Earth Day. Earth Day, Navarosa said, is simultaneously celebrated around the world by people of all backgrounds, faith, and race.

Indeed, ATVI, SK Aklan Federation and their benefactors really deserve Aklan’s sincere commen-dation for succesfully holding the first ever search for Binibining Aklan. /MP