LINGAYEN, Pangasinan – Vanessa Baraquio, Limgas na Pangasinan 2017’s candidate from Basista town, bested 24 other talented ladies in the Talent Night competition and Pre-Pageant held April 21 at the Sison Auditorium.
Bereft of any visual effects or accompaniment, the 19-year-old lass glided around the stage as a form of interpretative dance to the tune “Byahe Tayo,” a Dept. of Tourism promotional song.
The other 24 title hopefuls exhibited their talents in singing, dancing, baton twirling, declamation, monologue, playing musical instruments, theatrical interpretation, among others.
The live streaming of the talent night, which went viral, generated 2.2 thousand likes, 4.8 thousand comments, 494 shares and 199,795 people reached.
Prior to the talent competition, the 25 official candidates wowed the audience with their Festival Costume which showcased their One-Town-One-Product (OTOP). Each gown or costume were detailed with ornaments that foretell Pangasinan’s distinct culture and renowned products.
Meanwhile, Provincial Tourism and Cultural Affairs Officer Ma. Luisa A. Elduayan said that aside from showcasing the beauty and talent of Pangasinense women, Limgas na Pangasinan, one of the highlights of the yearly celebration of Pistay Dayat (Sea Festival), allows people to be reacquainted with their rich culture and identity.
Earlier, Candidate No. 17, Anie Uson of Labrador was chosen by some members of the media as this year’s Darling of the Press.
Grand pageant and coronation night will be held on April 30, 8 PM at the Capitol Plaza.
Limgas na Pangasinan 2017 is chaired for the second year by the Provincial Employment and Services Office (PESO) headed by Alex F. Ferrer.
This year’s official candidates are as follows: Jessica Estihore (Natividad), Charmaine Joyce Nava (Aguilar), Nymmosyne Bautista (San Carlos City), Monica Fortunato (Umingan), Marikit Manaois (Binmaley), Jane Flodine (Mangaldan), Apple Joy Bacay (Alaminos City), Kazumi Noguchi (Infanta), Shienna Dianne Baldiviano (Binalonan), Encar Nyssa Quitoriano (Dagupan City), Karen Eje (Manaoag), Cindy Pilar (Mangatarem), Jannah Bernas (Sual), Ivy Lou Borbon (Sta. Barbara), Princess C. Villanueva (San Fabian), Loise Ann Calimlim (Bayambang), Anie Uson (Labrador), Vanessa Baraquio (Basista), Angelica Garcia (Bayambang), Nicole Kate Valencerina (Bugallon), Shane Sison (Sta. Barbara), Trixie Amyr Gavina (Pozorrubio), Bea Theresa Maynigo (Calasiao), Anjanette de Jesus (Urdaneta City), and Gell Vinluan (Binmaley).
By Dexter A. See