Kinabayo Festival crowns 2017 Miss Dapitan

MANILA, Philippines - Novie Dionglay Elumbaring representing Cluster 6 was crowned 2017 Miss Dapitan by last year’s queen Mary Jade Capin last July 23 at the Dapitan Cultural and Sports Complex in Zamboanga del Norte. 

From Barangay Banonong, 18-year-old Novie is a sophomore Bachelor of Science in Business Administration student at the Jose Rizal Memorial State University. She bested 11 other beauties and also won Best in Evening Gown, Miss Hampton Place, Miss Gluta Ce and Miss M. Lhuillier awards.

Declared first and second runners-up, respectively, were Sharizze Melody Petalcorin of DapCWD (Miss Dapitan Tourism) and Charie Bucol of Cluster 10 (Miss Dapitan Heritage). Sharizze also bagged special awards: Darling of the Press, Miss Dapitan Daily, Miss Natasha and Miss Smart Talk & Text. Charie, on the other hand, was voted by media as Miss Photogenic.

Tasked to choose the winners was a seven-man judging panel including 2015 Bb. Pilipinas International and 2013 Miss World Philippines first runner-up Janicel Lubina, 2017 Mrs. Grandma Universe Agnes Padao Jakosalem and this writer.

Dakak operations manager Sveltlana Jalosjos-de Leon and Tourism Assistant Secretary Frederick Alegre

The annual pageant is one of the highlights of Kinabayo Festival of Dapitan City, dubbed as The Shrine City of the Philippines, in honor of its patron saint, St. James the Greater.

Dakak Park and Beach Resort was the official residence of members of tri-media who all enjoyed its staff’s hospitality, mouth-watering food, lush greeneries, world-class facilities like the Dapitan Adventure Zone, where the country’s longest dual zip line can be found. Guests were also taken to the newly-built Villa Angelina; The Cliff, which is overlooking the Sulu Sea; the historic Rizal Shrine where Dr. Jose Rizal was exiled; the river cruise; the St. James the Greater Parish Church built in 1871; and Fantasy Land at Gloria de Dapitan.

Gracious hosts were Dapitan City Mayor Rosalina Jalosjos, Dakak operations manager Svetlana Jalosjos-de Leon and front office manager Antonio Cabilin II, City Tourism officer Apple Marie Agolong and staff Marilou Balanay.

Tourism Assistant Secretary for the Office of Public Affairs, Communications and Special Projects Frederick “Ricky” Alegre, 2014 Eat, Bulaga’s You’re My Foreignay second runner-up Dasuri Choi, Philippines Playboy model, international DJ Janice Dizon and print/commercial model, pageant producer, magazine publisher and former indie actor Richard Hiñola were those who graced the festival. Photos by Celso de Guzman Caparas