LA TRINIDAD, Benguet – Pageant supporters and enthusiasts filled the Benguet Sports Complex with shouts of joy as they gathered to witness the crowning of the new Mr. and Ms. La Trinidad during its Grand Coronation Night.
Clifford D. Yagyagan from Barangay Lubas was crowned Mister La Trinidad, while Angelika Servinas from Barangay Poblacion claimed the Miss La Trinidad title.
During the Pre-pageant Night, Yagyagan serenaded the crowd with his rendition of Dean Martin’s “Sway”, showcasing his vocal talent. On the Coronation Night, he made it to the Top 5, together with John Daniel Pulas (Bahong), Stephen Carl Humiwat (Shilan), Mark Kevin Pilay (Wangal), and Ryner Bas-ilan (Puguis). Each contestant was asked, “As the youth, what makes you most proud of our hometown, La Trinidad, and why?”
Yagyagan’s answer centered on his pride for the Igorot culture. “There are still misconceptions about being Igorot and I think that we can do something to [address] it.” He also emphasized that La Trinidad’s beautiful sceneries and landscapes are meant to be shared. “After all, we are one and we are proud to be a part of La Trinidad,” he stated.
Similarly, Servinas did an impressive mix of both singing and painting in her Pre-pageant Night talent portion entry. During the Coronation Night, she earned multiple awards from the event’s competitions, including Miss Photogenic, Best in Creative Costume and Best in Swimwear, the newest addition to the pageant’s line of competitive segments.
She reached the Top 5 finalists vying for Miss La Trinidad alongside Shany Kate Madilat (Wangal), Yvone Ludaes (Betag), Lhea Kial (Puguis), and Majaisha Bastian (Bahong). They were asked, “What is the modern woman’s role today, and what is your advice to young women?”
Servinas emphasized leadership in her answer. She believes that a modern woman has a responsibility to empower her community. “So as an empowered woman, I want to share this character of leadership and [identify] myself as part of the Cordilleran community. This is how I’ll start – by reflecting a good woman’s character. We should embody good unity, solidarity and respect for our tradition, because if we know how to serve our people, then we are able to reflect and empower others,” she said.
Twenty-six contestants participated in the Mister and Miss La Trinidad (MMLT) pageant, with a pair representing each of the 13 barangays in the municipality. Last year’s awardees were present to pass on their sashes and crowns to the new titleholders. The MMLT Grand Coronation Night marked one of the final events for this year’s Strawberry Festival. By Aiyra Marzan
