By Cheryl Sevegan
The Samahang Ilocano Kabagis Tel-Aviv Chapter established the Ilocandia Society in Holy Land at the beginning of this year. Headed by the Chapter President Jowel Watan, it aims to promote discipline, unity and cooperation among its members from the Ilocandia Regions in the Philippines. Also, it hopes to encourage and implement a continuing program on the preservation of Ilocano cultural heritage, to design and undertake all activities for the benefit and welfare of its members and the organization, job placement, socialization, sports and other projects not contrary to law towards improving the quality of life.
The Search for “Miss Ilocandia Holy Land Beauty Pageant 2013” became its first big project, of which the coronation night was held last October 12, 2013 at Beit Dani Auditorium, Tel-Aviv. This special event aims to empower, motivate and uplift our young women, helping them to become young ambassadors of tomorrow. It plays a major role in our community, especially in the Philippines. All proceeds raised from the pageant will be used for community services project and to support their main project “POSO SA BARYO” in the Philippines.
Miss Ilocandia Beauty Pageant will educate and encourage our contestants, SI Kabagis Tel-Aviv Chapter and Ilocandia Society in Holy Land members, to commit and be involved in community projects.
The crowned winners were:
Ms. Nellie Tandingan
Ms. Ilocandia Holy Land 2013
Ms. Myrna Cayetano
1st Runner Up
Ms. Loida Garin
2nd Runner Up
Ms. Lailanie Mariano
3rd Runner Up
Ms. Josephine Guillergan
4th Runner Up
Ms. Brenilly Sabanal
Best in Talent
Ms. Josephine Guillergan
Best in Gown
Ms. Nellie Tandingan
Best in Ethnic Attire
Ms. Myrna Cayetano
Best in Summerwear
Ms. Marjorie Vallejos
Best in Production Dance
Ms. Josephine Guillergan
Miss Photogenic
Ms. Filipina Aglangao
Miss Flawless
Ms. Nellie Tandingan
Miss Ambassadress
Ms. Myrna Cayetano
Miss FB Popularity
Ms. Sharon Balantac
Miss Friendship
SI KABAGIS TEL-AVIV CHAPTER OFFICERS:
Chapter President: JOWEL WATAN
Vice President (Internal): REYNALDO JOAQUIN
Vice President (External): ANTHONY JAVIER
Secretary: MARIA RIZA GUEVARRA
Assist. Secretary: GLENDA DAQUIOAG
Treasurer: VANEZA LAPLANA
Assist. Treasurer: JUDELINE JOVEN
Auditor: KAREN JOYCE DAMASCO
Assist. Auditor: VIRGILIO SALES JR
P.R.O.: TROOPER J. MARIANO
Business Manager: JOVEN MADRIAGA
Assistant Bus. Manager: JANE RIVERA
Disciplinary Officers: AVELINO BENITEZ III, ERICK SIRUET, ARNOLD AGSALDA, BERNADETTE LIWAG
Founding Officer: OLIVER DELA CRUZ COSTALES
Advisers: ELMER LANCER PASCASIO GAMIT, MINERVA VILLANUEVA, MELCHOR NIDOY BERNARDO
In gratitude and deep appreciation for their outstanding contribution and valuable support, Samahang Ilocano Kabagis Tel-Aviv Chapter would like to thank the following people who without them the success of the event wouldn’t be made possible. First to MISS ILOCANDIA HOLY LAND 2013 organizers Mr. Jowel Watan – President/Director, Mr. Trooper Mariano – Event Director, Ms. Karen Joyce Damasco and Ms. Minerva Manggongoy – Event Coordinator, Ms. Vaneza Laplana – Choreographer, Mr. Reynaldo Juaquin – Sounds, Mr. Yongsky Baldonado and Mr. Ruel Alcain – Photographers, JK Visual Studio – Graphics Designs and Samahang Ilocano Kabagis.
Most of all to Miss Ilocandia Holy Land 2013 candidates: Ms. Evelyn Gucor, Ms. Filipina Aglangao, Ms. Nellie Tandingan, Ms. Myrna Cayetano, Ms. Marjorie Vallejos, Ms. Loida Garin, Ms. Brenilly Sabanal, Ms. Josephine Guillergan, Ms. Lailanie Mariano and Ms. Sharon Balantac. Also to the distinguished panel of judges Ms. Cheryl Sevegan, Mr. Allain David, Mr. Leo Casumpang, Mr. Trudy Pinto, Ms. Virgie Natino, Ms. Grace Cardenas, Ms. Violy Varias, Ms. Thelma Tagal, Ms. Loradel Norada and Ms. Maureen Shiela Tagaro; and to our fast and reliable tabulators headed by Mr. Geoffrey Olayan, Ms. Alice Diaz and Ms. Karen Joyce Damasco.
To the guest speaker, Philippine Embassy Vice Consul Ferdinand Flores, to Ms. Jeanette Bergonia for the crowns, Ms. Jean D. Bardoles for the production costumes and sash designer. The night’s affair isn’t complete without the Masters of Ceremonies, the awesome tandem of Ms. Gretchen Vane Obejas and Mr. Trooper Mariano. To all individuals who donated trophies, flowers and cash and to all supporters of the candidates who purchased Ms. Ilocandia Holy Land tickets, you all shared a big part in the success of Ms. Ilocandia Holy Land 2013 and deserve our huge “THANK YOU SO MUCH!” Till next time!