By Eva C. Visperas

 

NOT once, but twice.

Twice in a row, I had the rare and delightful honor of being part of the esteemed panel of judges in a beauty pageant. First, it was Miss Villasis 2025, and now, a year later, Miss Villasis 2026. Each experience, I must confess, was nothing short of magical—a celebration not just of beauty, but of grace, intelligence, and community spirit.

The mayor’s formal invitation came in November 2025, giving me time to prepare. On January 11, I journeyed to Villasis, Pangasinan’s verdant “Vegetable Bowl,” greeted by a cool evening alive with lights, colors, and fiesta energy.”

Fourteen barangay queens took the stage that night, while the crowd cheered, waved banners, and supported each contestant—a joyful testament to the town’s pride in this annual tradition.

And then, the candidates themselves—oh, how they lit up the stage! From their elegant swimwear presentations to the poised evening gowns, and finally, to the intense Question and Answer round, each contestant displayed not only beauty but intelligence, confidence, and an unwavering presence. Judging was no easy task. It was, without exaggeration, a “tough fight” for the crown.

But Miss Villasis is never just about beauty. On the contrary, it is a platform with purpose. Even as we admired the contestants’ poise and grace, we were subtly educated about the town’s programs and initiatives under Mayor Dita Abrenica. Her leadership, continuing the progressive strides of her husband and former mayor, Nato Abrenica, is reflected in infrastructure projects, health initiatives, education reforms, livelihood opportunities, skills development programs, among others.

During the Q&A, candidates fielded questions about these initiatives, ensuring that the audience—families, supporters, and guests like myself—left not just entertained, but enlightened. In one evening, the town managed to hit two birds with one stone: celebrating beauty while keeping the community informed. It was civic engagement dressed in elegance, a reminder that pageantry can be meaningful, purposeful, and empowering.

I received a message from a local doctor after the event. He asked about the winner and the prospects of winning for higher-level pageants. I told him, with the conviction that has grown from witnessing these young women firsthand, that it is possible. Yet, success depends on a blend of talent, preparation, community support, and sheer determination, I added.

Speaking of support, it was heartwarming to see how the entire town, led by the Abrenicas, rallies behind their young aspirants. Creative minds lend their expertise in grooming contestants—coaches, designers, mentors—all working in harmony. Philanthropists like Engr. Rosendo So, dedicated citizens, and even balikbayans, long-time familiar faces at such events, contribute generously to the dream of nurturing a local talent into a regional, or even national, icon.

It made me reflect on the power of collective dreams. Villasis is a town with ambition and vision. Who knows? Someday soon, perhaps, a “Limgas na Dayat” from Villasis will shine on a bigger stage. Nothing is impossible when a community believes in its youth and gives them wings to fly.

Yet, organizing a beauty pageant is never easy. Behind the glamour lies a whirlwind of preparation, planning, and, yes, occasional intrigue and criticism. Still, what stood out most that night was the unwavering sense of unity among Villasinians.

As I watched the winners take their bows and the audience erupt in applause, I felt a quiet pride—not only in the young women who graced the stage but in the entire town that made the event possible.

So, to every young aspirant in Villasis dreaming of that crown: dream big, chase those dreams, and make them happen. The path may be challenging, the nights long, and the questions tough—but with perseverance, intelligence, and grace, anything is possible.

Yes, I have judged twice, but each time, I leave inspired, reminded of why events like these matter—not only for the contestants but for the town that dares to dream. Villasis is not just cultivating beauty queens; it is cultivating pride, unity, and hope. And if you ask me, that is the most beautiful crown of all.