The pressure is on for the 13 pairs vying for the Mr. and Ms. Benguet titles this year, as the winning pair will receive P200,000.
Benguet Rep. Eric Yap announced during the kick-off ceremony of the Adivay Festival he will sponsor the cash prize for the winning pair during the coronation night at the Benguet Sports Complex gym on Nov. 25.
The reward would be considered the highest prize money in the history of the provincial pageant, which will have its first in-person competition since 2019.
The 13 pairs were presented to the public during the opening program, where the pre-pageant for the best in ethnic and casual wears was held.
The next pre-pageant is on Nov. 18 at the Ben Palispis Hall at the Capitol.
The 2022 candidates are Joseph Leo and Maida Faith Basilio of Tuba, Cedryck Ulep and Shekinah Bugnay of Tublay, Kemperr Scott Padilla and Azy Dio-as of Kapangan, Kevin Claud Beray and Camille Jade Polo of Bokod, Arnel Labisa and Keira Lagdao of Mankayan, Jem Well Urban and Kristine Dilao of Bakun, David Clar Picpican and Gian Marie Tokiyas of Buguias, Razced Pagoli and Ricka Fe Acosta of Atok, Jeremiah Bugtong and Jamie Guinsiman of Kabayan, Clyde Dangpas and Cleciaflor Shermuel Balabag of La Trinidad, Vergel Bayacsan and Chrizzel Lang-ay of Sablan, Gyles Garcia and Gwyneth Kaye Sannadan of Itogon, and Genis Lagan and Heilannie Dinamling of Kibungan.
Aside from the prize money, the winning pair will also be Benguet’s ambassador in various forums and activities, advocating the beauty and bounty of the province. They will also have the chance to represent the province in regional or national pageants.
Early this year, 2019 winning pair of Jones Aban of Kapangan and Marilou Saguidec of Kibungan joined the inaugural Mr. and Ms. Cordillera Autonomy Youth Ambassadors 2022.
Aban settled for the second runner-up while Saguidec bagged the Miss Photogenic plum.
Yap said he will also sponsor the prize money for the inter-local government unit basketball and volleyball tournaments.
Those who will attend the main celebration on Nov. 23 at the Benguet sports center gym will also get a chance to win in the raffle. – Ofelia C. Empian
April 26, 2024
