Hari ng Pondok hopefuls to help Balamban tourism

CEBU, Philippines - Nine brave men vie for the title of the first Hari ng Pondok and vow to help promote their municipal’s tourism. The candidates also promise to give the best performance of their lives during tonight’s coronation in Sitio Pondok, Barangay Pondol, Balamban.

The contestants, whose ages range from 18 to 30, include students, young professionals, and working single or married men. Head organizer Ivy Cumad said that the contest theme revolves around Balamban culture in terms of livelihood, delicacies, tourist spots and handicrafts, all of which will be depicted in their cultural costume presentation.

Balamban is home to several tourist havens such as the Tuneishi Shipyard, Cambuhawe Cold Spring Resort, West 35, and Costa Roca Resort Club, to name a few.

Costa Roca Resort Club owner and operations manager Suzzane “Suzzy” Binghay-Perez expressed excitement that the pageant organizers considered her resort as the venue for the contest’s photo shoot. The resort, formerly known as the Binghay Marine Park, offers rooms and swimming pool access in a peaceful ambiance, where one can enjoy the view of the vast sea and the coolness of the sea breeze.

“Being part of the pageant is an avenue for us to showcase what our resort can offer. We are proud to show to the world that Costa Roca is a must-stay place for vacation, retreats, or a quick escape from the complicated life in the city,” said Binghay-Perez.

The candidates of the first Hari ng Pondok are Aldrin Loregas, Darrell Rempojo, Daveriell Monteroso, Ramel John Papas, Sariel Loregas, Pio Clark Fritus, Joseph Carausos, Mark Angelo Ecija and Gabriel Servo. (FREEMAN)