By Eva C. Visperas

 

FOR the second time, I found myself immersed in the glitz and glamour of the Limgas na Pangasinan search that unfolded over three captivating hours on April 26, the day after my birthday.

From 8:00 p.m. to past 12:00 midnight, I and other newsmen were at the Capitol area in Lingayen, eagerly awaiting who would be crowned Limgas na Pangasinan. It was supposed to be followed by an interview at the Sison Auditorium after the announcement of winners.

It was an exciting evening and the high humidity could be felt as people converged, hoping to get a better view of the stage as they cheered for their favorite candidates.

When the press presentation was held in March in Monarch Hotel, Limgas na Pozorrubio was already one of my top choices among the 19 lovely candidates. So, seeing her crowned as Limgas na Pangasinan was a moment of triumph and validation.

A round of applause, too, for the top three winners: Limgas na Pozorrubio Lyha Yzhienne Laylo for bringing home the major title in the Grand Coronation Night 2024 and will represent Pangasinan in the prestigious national tilt, Miss World Philippines.

Limgas na Malasiqui Jenesse Viktoria Mejia and Limgas na Lingayen Pearline Joy Bayog won the Limgas na Pangasinan 2024-Grand and Limgas na Pangasinan 2024-Mutya crowns, respectively.

The roster of winners was completed by Limgas na Sta. Barbara Izzy Nina Bernardino as 1st runner-up, Limgas na Urbiztondo Rebecca Rose Ayuban as 2nd runner-up, and Limgas na Binalonan Paulie Alexa Camat as 3rd runner-up.

Though the pageant was fast-paced this time (congrats to the team behind it!), but it still took three hours from start to end. But the crowd patiently waited for the results. Aren’t we pageant lovers!

The stage production was notably enhanced, with cultural dances reaching new heights in their presentation. The presence of esteemed judges, including Miss Universe Philippines 2023 Michelle Marquez Dee, added to the prestige of the occasion.

However, the standard of questions posed to the top 10 candidates and to the final 5 by last year’s judges was preferred by some thinking attendees.

Oh, by the way, while the Q and A for the top 5 finalists was going on, there was some confusion. The Selection Committee Chair suddenly announced that there was a tie in the tabulation, and proclaimed Limgas na Malasiqui as one of the finalists.

In fairness, Limgas na Malasiqui was, indeed, a strong candidate that left many wondering why she wasn’t initially included in the top 5. One candidate, however, based on opinions I gathered from newsmen themselves, was a big puzzle. Why she was in the top 5? Oh well, the decision of the board of judges, as we often hear is final. So, from top 5, it became top 6.

This unexpected twist left many, including myself and fellow journalists, pondering the decision-making process behind the scenes. I remembered my experience as a judge in the Miss Villasis 2024 search in January.  It adopted a rule to avoid ties by utilizing decimal point ratings.

That was a logical, sensible, smart and practical move on the part of the organizers. But why didn’t the Limgas Committee didn’t adopt that? The oversight at Limgas na Pangasinan 2024 should serve as a valuable lesson for future pageants to avoid casting doubts.

In conclusion, the Limgas na Pangasinan 2024 pageant was a dazzling showcase of beauty, talent, and community spirit, punctuated by moments of surprise and reflection.

And credit is due Pangasinan’s First Lady Maan Tuazon-Guico for her dedicated stewardship, despite being pregnant, ensuring the success of the event from inception to conclusion.

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