A misty-eyed tribute to the Carnival Queens

Remember the good old days when Carnival Queens didn’t have to wear a two-piece to bag their crowns?

Them were the days, my friend. Years later, the mechanics of beauty pageants have changed considerably and become more, well, “revealing.”

Last May 30, Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar paid a misty-eyed tribute to Carnival Queens, “the great queens of yesteryear who started it all,” with 18 beauties from different parts of Bataan competing.   

 Owned by José “Gerry” Acuzar and family, Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar in Bagac, Bataan is a living museum of Philippine heritage.

“It’s a place that will take you back to the 18th century Philippines,” reported Celso de Guzman Caparas who covered the event for Funfare. “It is a showcase of Philippine history, arts and culture, and a testament to the Filipinos’ world-class craftsmanship.”  

Crowned 2017 Lakambini ng Las Casas was Diana Velasco, 21, a UP Economics graduate who is currently a government employee. A part-time tutor and lecturer of Grade 7 students. Prize: P30,000 cash and sponsors’ gifts.

Lakambini Reina del Oriental (first runner-up) was Dianne April Pangilinan of Mariveles, 21, a UP (Diliman) BS Mathematics graduate and a senior high school teacher in Bataan. Prize: P20,000 cash and sponsors’ gifts.

Lakambini Reina del Occidental (second runner-up) was Donna Velasco, 23, a licensed pharmacist from UST and an incoming junior medical student at the University of the East Ramon Magsaysay. She aspires to become a successful pediatrician. Prize: P15,000 cash and sponsors’ gifts.

Diana and Donna are sisters, from Balanga.

“Donna has already won a string of beauty tittles including 2014 Miss Tourism World Philippines third runner-up, 2013 Ambassadress of the Region 3 DRRMC, 2013 Mutya ng Balanga first runner-up, 2013 Miss UST Pharmacy 2012 second runner-up, and 2009 Miss Mabatang. Donna also competed in the 2014 Miss Global Philippines,” said Celso.

Special awardees: Lakambini Plains and Prints (Miss Friendship) voted by her fellow candidates was Daisy Renze Resultay of Mariveles; Patriz Anne Dabu of Dinalupihan, Lakambini Fotografia (Miss Photogenic); Jaila Eunice Ragindin of Orani, Lakambini Belo (Best in Swimsuit); and Diana, Lakambini Edwin Uy winner for “exuding the Pinay elegance and winsome charm wearing her modern Filipiniana.” They all received gifts from sponsors, bouquets and plaques.

The board of judges was composed of 2015 Mutya ng Pilipinas/2015 Miss Tourism Metropolitan International first runner-up Janella Joy Cuaton, Edwin and co-designer Cary Santiago, and ABS-CBN reporter Mario Dumaual.  

Adding glamour and glitter to the event were former Bb. Pilipinas Evelyn Camus-Alcantara (1971 Miss International second runner-up), Chiqui Brosas-Hahn (1975 Miss Universe fourth runner-up), Dang Cecilio-Palanca (1979 Bb. Pilipinas Universe), Sharon Hughes-Bediones (1982 Miss Young Philippines) and Jennette Fernando-Dizon (1993 Bb. Pilipinas Tourism). Also present were designers Renee Salud, fashion Albert Andrada, Pablo Mendez and Dave Ocampo.

The show was hosted by Troy Montero and directed by beauty queen maker Rodgil Flores of KF. Former Rivermaya vocalist and The Voice of the Philippines contestant Jason Fernandez performed musical numbers.

“Prior to the pageant proper,” continued Celso, “an exhibit was formally opened, featuring the photos and information on Philippine Carnival Queens (1908-1939) from the collection of Alex Castro and the gowns by the country’s renowned fashion designers. Also displayed was the original crown worn by Clarita Villarica Tan Kiang when she won as 1934 Miss Philippines of Carnival Queen. The crown which has stood the test of time was lent by Clarita’s family for the occasion.” 

The next afternoon (May 31), the winners and candidates participated in the traditional Santacruzan with Diana as Reyna Elena, Dianne as Reyna Emperatriz and Donna as Reyna de las Flores.

The whole event — pageant, exhibition and Santacruzan — was conceptualized by Erwin Manalo Doña.

Department of Pediatrics’ 22nd scientific symposium

Over the years, Capitol Medical Center has grown, providing continuous quality healthcare service to the country.

In line with its 47th anniversary celebration, the Department of Pediatrics is holding its 22nd scientific symposium titled Lab@1stsight: Integrating Laboratory Examinations Into Pediatric Practice next Wednesday, June 14, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Novotel Manila (Araneta Center, Cubao, Quezon City).

Topics to be discussed are: ABCs of CBC by Dr. Rodelia Lacson; Cardiac Evaluation: When Are EKG and 2D Echo Needed? by Dr. Martha Socorro  Santiago; Fecalysis and Liver Function Tests: A Review by Dr. Marilou Tan; Value and Interpretation of Neurologic Diagnostic Procedures by Dr. Marissa Lukban; Urinalysis Revisited by Dr. Esther Tan-Medina; Basic Infectious Workup: A Review by Dr. Edna Sunga-Mallorca; and Proper Utilization of Chest X-Ray and ABG by Dr. Arnel Gerald Jiao.

For inquiries and more information, call any pediatric resident at 372-3825 locals 1747/1414, 0917-8921591 or 0917-8921592, or e-mail at [email protected].