MS. DARAGANG MAGAYON 2017 CROWNED LAST MAY 30

Last May, the city of Legazpi held their month long festival showcasing the beauty and treasure of Albay.  With the Magayon Festival coming to a close, 20 beautiful maidens came forward, showing wit and charm, vying for the title of Ms. Daragang Magayon 2017.  With 18 years of queens crowned, this year’s competition was a notch higher as the very first Ms. Albay was also hailed that night.  A strong message came across that night as all the girls called forth for unity to all Albayanos and help create a more beautiful province; something that echoed the message coming from Governor Al Francis Bichara of Albay.

The night of the coronation shone more when graced with known celebrities acting as part of the panel of judges, entertainment and host.  With Tanner Mata, Sinon Loresca, Jodi Sta. Maria (head judge) as part of the board of judges, that night was full of positive charge as they decide who shall be the new queens;  Paolo Bediones was the energetic host and Richard Yap serenaded all during the said pageantry.  With Maribeth Bichara holding the helm of the show, it was made tight and fluid making time pass quickly and smoothly.

From 20 charming maidens, it was trimmed to 10 candidates then down to the final 5 making each moment breath catching and the cheers louder at each segment.  All the beautiful young maidens paraded themselves with grace in their swimsuit and long gowns.  Poise and grace under pressure truly shone as the top 10 answered the questions thrown to them by the judges.  More pressure came and true grace came to form as the top 5 vied for the top titles that night.  Special awards were given out and slowly the tide of viewers shifted to various sides to guess as to who is to be the new queens – Ms. Daragang Magayon and Ms. Albay.  From 5, it was down to two beautiful maidens – Christine Arnedo and Angelica Marie Camu.  Who is Ms. Daragang Magayon 2017? Who is the first Ms. Albay?

The announcement for the hailed Ms. Albay was a bit anti-climatic for my taste for there was little energy left to cheer after the title of Ms. Daragang Magayon 2017 was announced.   It was only that night that people found out that two top titles are to be given out, which unfortunately didn’t create the intended boost of energy.

Congratulations to Christine Arnedo who was hailed as Ms. Daragang Magayon 2017 and Angelica Marie Camu as the first Ms. Albay!

Photos used were all personally taken by the writer during the said event.

Gov. Bichara giving his welcome talk

Paolo Bediones, host for the night

Casual Wear and Opening Number

Long Gown Competition, Candidate #7 and #8

Long Gown Competition, Candidate #9 and #10

Long Gown Competition, Candidate #11

Long Gown Competition, Candidate # 13

Richard Yap (Sir Chief), serenading all that night

10 Semi Finalist

3rd Runner-up Candidate #19

2nd Runner-Up Candidate #10

1st Runner-up, Candidate 13

Ms. Daragang Magayon 2017, Candidate #7

The first Ms. Albay, Candidate #11

The queens of the night!