It’s a go for this year’s annual Miss Puerto Princesa, one of the highlights of the annual Balayong Festival of the City turning 17 this year, in line with the 149 founding anniversary of the capital City of island province of Palawan. From 39 hopefuls, the official 20 lovely candidates are now officially introduced to the local media recently mostly representing different barangays and school institution.
This year’s batch face a challenging discourse of fate in terms of pageant formula due to the pandemic, less activity, less people and staff to assist and limited live audience to watch them in all major events lined up by this year’s organizing committee headed by the first daughter of the City, Raine Bayron.
Pageant Director Favz Gabo of FDreamTeam Production is once again handling this year’s coronation. This is his 5 year in a row in handling the show, from the concept, to theme, the dresses, choosing the local guests and performers, and following all safety protocols are all bit of a challenge in the history of Miss Puerto Princesa, the titular local crown considered as the most prestigious since its activation in 1990.
“ ‘Yung theme ng pageant ngayon hindi naman pinattern sa pandemic, mukhang durog na tayo do’n eh, so kumbaga ipapakita natin sa kanila kung paano natin ma-survive even andyan ang pandemic dapat hindi nababago yung kinagawian na pageant, so wala kaming certain na concept talaga,” Gabo said.
This year’s City Queen will still receive the P30, 000 cash prize and P20, 000 will be given to the participating community or institution. Manila based Fashion Designer John Cliff who previously dresses past search is once again chosen to be the official long gown and swimsuit designer, but with the crisis this time he will be not physically present to witness the crowning moment come March 3 at the City Coliseum.
Activities for the candidates are also squeezed in selected dates in order not to expose all the girls to the public. RT PCR test will be conducted as well to ensure the safety of everyone in the production. Gabo said among the new rules they will implement this year as approved by the local Inter-Agency Task force are not allowing candidates to have chaperons or handlers during activities and rehearsals. One make up brush per candidate is required to their hair and make-up artist, and social distancing is properly observed in all production numbers.
“Pagdating ng opening Top 10 agad, di na sila lalabas, mas kailangan mas maikli ngayon liban do’n sa pattern ng pageant natin siyempre mas bawas ang audience natin, ang sabi sa akin dapat 45% lang siya ‘yun ang capacity ng lower box at VIP, so hindi pa talaga nata-tackle kung ilan ang capacity, ilang seats na kailangan ang pagitan ang bawat isa, ‘yun ang challenging sa amin kasi since pagpasok hanggang matapos dapat lahat ng nanonood lahat naka face mask,” Gabo added.
Here are the official activities and dates of the candidates, Preliminary competition including Talent, Swimsuit and Long Gown portion is set on Feb 20 at the Astoria Palawan in Brgy. San Rafael, a new normal fashion show at SM City on Feb 25, and a Close door Interview on Feb 28, location not announce.
Here are the names of the official 20 candidates; Angelica Manzano- Brgy. Bagong Pag-Asa, Jolina Novela – Bagong Silang, Franklin May Luengo – Cabayugan, Sheryll Shane Igpalina- Inagawan Sub, Joanne Desiree Gerson – Irawan, Aikah Engcoy – Langogan, Mary Angeli Buruanga –Macarascas, Grace Loren Loquillano – Mandaragat, Kaye Dadores – Maningning, Angela Mae Condesa – Manalo, Lyza Fe Pekitpekit – Mangingisda, Patricia Loren Munoz – Maunlad, Jemadelf Nailon – Pagkakaisa, Jemimah Joy Zabala – Palawan State University, Queenie Tesorio – San Pedro, Kyla Catrina De Luz – Sicsican National High School, Marianne Frietz Padpad – Sicsican, Princess Aiko Tesoro – Sta. Cruz, Karla Lozada – Sta. Monica and Nicole Lardizabal of Tiniguiban.
Miss Puerto Princesa 2021 are supported by the following sponsors; Astoria Palawan, SM City Puerto Princesa, Pilipinas Shell Foundation Inc., Southwind Palawan, Touch Mobile (TM), Tatak ni Tatang Printing Services, Jc. D. Wardrobe Stylist, Coppermask, Bayo, Unica Hija, Vice Versa. Tadzmaki Sushi, Party Mallows Shop & Events, and Pixie Printing Services.