BACOLOD City – Tourism Management student Yvonne Catamco was crowned Miss Bacolod MassKara 2023 during the pageant finals held at the University of St. La Salle (USLS)-Bacolod coliseum here last night.
Catamco, who also joined last year’s pageant, was recognized Best in Swim Wear.
The USLS-Bacolod student also won the grand prize amounting to P150,000.
Catamco wowed the judges and audience with her answer during the final question-and-answer portion.
The question: “We are tagging Bacolod City as the next “super city”. What do we have to do as Bacolodnons to embody this?”
“Bacolod is known as the ‘super city’, and what makes our city a ‘super city’ is our spirit – the spirit of each and every Bacolodnon. The spirit of resiliency and optimism that serves as catalyst for us to thrive higher, to stand up wiser and bolder each time we fall. The same spirit that gives us the power to see the positive part of everything especially the struggles that we encounter as a city. And if we could learn to share it, to radiate the spirit that resides in us we can empower the world around us and we can all become the super people,” Catamco answered.
Two other ladies completed the winners’ circle – first runner-up Tracy Mae Sunio and second runner-up Elli Rose Elola.
Elola also received the Best in Evening Gown and Darling of the Social Media awards.
For minor awards, Cailah Jhane Delarma bagged the Miss Congeniality award, while Allona Nejar was recognized as Miss Photogenic.
Best in Talent was Marianel Tan. She also got the Best in Festival Costume and Best Evening Gown Designer awards.
Hundreds of Bacolodnons attended the star-studded event, and among the judges included Sen. Raffy Tulfo and Binibining Pilipinas Universe 2009 Bianca Manalo.
The event was hosted by Marco Gumabao and Janeena Chan.
Actor-singer Carlo Aquino also performed on stage and serenaded the 15 contestants. (Watchmen Daily Journal)/PN
