CITY OF MALOLOS- The municipality of Pulilan swept this year’s Hari at Reyna ng Singkaban as their Hari Mark Lawrence L. Contreras and Reyna Maria Faraseth E. Celso won both the titles during the Grand Coronation Night held at The Pavilion, Hiyas ng Bulacan Convention Center last Friday.
Aside from the most coveted title, Celso also got the Best in Formal Wear and Smart Choice Award; while Contreras received the Best in Formal Wear as well.
During the question-and-answer portion of the pageant, Contreras was asked by Miss World Philippines 2018 1st Princess Chanel Morales which Bulakenyo historical figure he admired the most, to which he answered Francisco Balagtas.
“Bilang isang Bulakenyo, ako ay isang manunulat at ang isang modelo ko ay si Francisco Balagtas. Nalaman ko kung gaano makapangyarihan ang mga salita kaya’t alam ko na bilang mga Bulakenyo may mga nakatago tayong kwento sa mga suluk-sulok na kung sisipatin ito, sa mga salitang ito, sa mga istoryang mayroon tayo bilang Bulakenyo, sana matuto tayong magpabago at magwasto katulad ni Francisco Balagtas,” the newly-crowned Hari ng Singkaban said.
Meanwhile, the reigning Reyna ng Singkaban, who was asked by National Commission for Culture and the Arts Public Affairs and Information Section Head Rene Napenas what aspect of Bulacan’s history and culture she would focus on if given an opportunity to lead a tourism campaign for the province, said that she would give emphasis to its agri-eco-tourism.
“As we all know, Bulacan is an agricultural province, and today, we are now introducing agri-eco-tourism to our province. And through this, we do not only help our local farmers but we also introduce the rich cultural heritage of Bulacan as a farming community,” Celso said.
On the other hand, Governor Daniel R. Fernando said that the Hari at Reyna ng Singkaban stage is the way of the candidates to share their advocacies as the youth of the province.
“Sa gitna ng inyong magagandang ngiti at matitikas na tindig ay makikita ang mga kabataang buong pusong nagsisikap at nagpupunyagi para makamit ang kani-kanilang mga pangarap. Ang tunay na kagandahan at kakisigan ay hindi lamang po makikita sa pisikal na kaanyuan kung hindi higit sa pagkakaroon ng mabuting pusong kumakalinga at nagsusulong sa kapakanan ng kanyang kapwa,” the governor said.
Moreover, Hari at Reyna ng Bocaue Ronald Ervin DC. Arciaga and Amalia E. Aroni got the same awards including the Hari at Reyna ng Turismo, Best in Kasuotang Filipino, and Best in Swimwear.
Also, Hari ng Marilao Randanniell M. Marilag took home the Hari ng Sining at Kultura, Mr. Talent, and Mr. Sunnyware awards; Reyna ng Balagtas Kristeen Mia SJ. Lucero bagged the Reyna ng Sining at Kultura; Hari ng Calumpit Jonas S. Carillo won the Hari ng Kasaysayan and Mr. Photogenic award; and Reyna ng Santa Maria Leslie Jane C. Domingo received the Reyna ng Kasaysayan and Ms. Talent award.
Other winners among the male candidates include Hari ng Santa Maria John David V. Almadin for the 1st runner up; Hari ng Pandi Nathaniel E. Dela Cruz for the 2nd runner up; Hari ng Obando Ernesto E. Andaya III for Best Tourism Video and Katrionn’s Choice Award; Hari ng San Miguel Julius Y. Dela Cruz for the Smart Choice Award and Photographer’s Choice Award; Hari ng Baliwag Jonard S. Sandoval for the Leticia’s Choice Award; and Hari ng Meycauayan Marc Anthony Balitaan and Hari ng Malolos Emmanuel T. Aguilera both entered the Top 10 of the competition.
Meanwhile, other winners for the ladies include Reyna ng San Rafael Janella Marie C. Ventura for the 1st runner up and Ms. Sunnyware award; Reyna ng Paombong Bianca Mae B. Bautista for the 2nd runner up, Best Tourism Video, and Ms. Photogenic; Reyna ng San Miguel Djanelle Irish DG. Villanueva for the Photographer’s Choice Award; Reyna ng Pandi Chezka Monique B. Abique for Katrionn’s Choice Award; Reyna ng Plaridel Aira Faith B. Manumbas for Leticia’s Choice Award; and Reyna ng Obando Pamela Amor SJ. Enriquez, Reyna ng Baliwag Christine Gayle P. Dabu, Reyna ng Calumpit Almia Genanda, and Reyna ng Malolos Heart Gwyneth C. Ocampo also entered the Top 10 of the pageant.
