Palawan as the worlds most beautiful island is also home to the most hospitable and beautiful people in the Philippine archipelago. Many a handful of beauty queens come from this provincial enclave which is also home to stunning beaches as well as abundant flora and fauna.
We start first with Miss Palawan Universe 2022 pageant which is the pinnacle of beauty pageants in the province and managed by Miss Palawan Charities Inc. Among all the beauties in the province, this year’s crown goes to Ms. Araceli, Luisa Gallardo besting all other city/municipality contestants. The 1st Runner Up goes to Miss Coron, Angeli Gabriell Estrada; 2nd Runner Up to Miss Puerto Princesa, Lian Dale Ballena and 3rd Runner Up to Miss San Vicente, Maria Luisa Varela.
As part of the 150th Foundation of Puerto Princesa City and sesquicentennial celebration as well as the 18th Balayong Festival, Ms. Puerto Princesa Pageant was also held in the city. The crown of the beauty and brains was won by Ms. MMPPI- Nicole Lindsay Ramos. Rounding up the rest of the winners are Miss Puerto Princesa South Ambassadress, Ms. Inagawan- Myra Sabado; Miss Puerto Princesa North Ambassadress, Ms. Macarascas- Liezele Sualog: 1st Runner Up, Ms. Tiniguiban- Almera Rosadenio; 2nd Runner Up hails from Sta. Monica, Jonamie Mangcucang.
And the best event of all the pageants was the Queen of the Binibining Seksi last March 2, 2022. The theme of the event is aptly titled “Bigger, Bolder, Fiercer”. And of course Sexier we think and judging by their expressions full of passion and zeal.
And drum roll, when the dust settled, Binibining Seksi 2022 goes to Abegail Camias of Sicsican; 1st Runner Up goes to San Manuel representative Jai Endino who was also Ms. Photogenic and Best in Gown; 2nd Runner Up is Ravel Morta of Iwahig. Other awards were handed out during the evening which exemplify that beauty takes many forms.
CONTROVERSY
But amid all the fun, controversy was also not far behind. A press conference was called upon by Mr. Bong Villanueva being the founder of Miss Palawan Charities Inc. regarding the concerns raised by Klaidel Hope A. Concepcion, the Miss Palawan Universe of 2021.
Klaidel Hope and her group of former Miss Palawan candidates submitted to the Provincial Government through Palawan Governor Jose Chavez Alvarez and the Provincial Board to investigate and conduct a legislative inquiry on the following issues which is quite a lot to say: tax deduction even when the Miss Palawan Charities Incorporated has no SEC registration; no business permit to operate, DSWD endorsement, tax concerns; questionable legitimacy of the titles for Miss Palawan 2021; exploitation, lacking in proper provision of food and drink during pageant activity; lack of contracts for winners, staggered payments for title holder/prizes, peculiar amount for consolation prizes; and body shaming in an endeavor which seek to empower women.
Things are still developing as to the outcome of this controversy as of this time. Apparently it seems that Klaidel Hope and her group allegations that the SEC papers of Miss Palawan Charities is not yet registered maybe true as Bong Villanueva presented only the application for SEC registration.
But on another note which somebody point out to us, what does the Miss Palawan Universe 2022 doing in this billboard? She was raising her feet so high up in the heavens while her hair was strung up with her hands and one knee on the ground on what looks like a beach. Quite an acrobatic feat. Maybe there is a better pose to showcase Palawan beauty. Just suggesting….
