SANTA MARCELA, Apayao – Iam A. Real of Conner and Princess Earl R. Mangligot of Luna were crowned Taer and Dayag ti Apayao 2025, respectively, on February 17, 2025, at the EKB Memorial Sports Center San Carlos Santa Marcela, Apayao with both winners receiving a cash prize of ₱75,000 each.
Real, the newly crowned Taer, swept multiple awards, including Mr. Photogenic, Mr. Congeniality, Best in Casual Wear, Best in Swimwear, Best in Talent, Mr. Catwalk, Mr. Close-Up Smile, Best in Formal Attire, and Most Articulate. Similarly, Mangligot, the Dayag, also won several awards: Best in Casual Wear, Best Performer Award, Best in Swimwear, Ms. Body Beautiful, Ms. Catwalk, Ms. Flawless, Best in Formal Attire, and Most Articulate.
Aeron John C. Galla of Pudtol and Princess Prayah S. Bello of Calanasan were named First Runners-Up, each receiving ₱60,000 and a trophy. Galla additionally won Best Designer and Best in Creative Attire, while Bello was awarded Ms. Photogenic.
Mharc Clarvie R. Pedronan of Luna and Vivienne Joy S. Padayao of Pudtol secured the Second Runner-Up positions, each receiving ₱50,000 and a trophy. Pedronan won Crowd Favorite and Mr. Flawless, while Padayao won Best Designer and Best in Creative Attire.
All remaining candidates received a consolation prize of ₱30,000. Other awards were presented for Best Performer (Taer of Santa Marcela), Best in Talent and Ms. Close-Up Smile (Dayag of Flora), Mr. Body Beautiful (Taer of Kabugao), Crowd Favorite (Dayag of Conner), and Best in Isnag Attire (Taer and Dayag of Kabugao).
The Taer and Dayag were also judged on their responses to insightful questions about Apayao’s development. When asked about investment opportunities to boost the local economy while ensuring equitable growth, Real emphasized community-based tourism, guided tours, and partnerships with local governments and educational institutions.
He highlighted Apayao’s status as the Philippines’ 4th biosphere reserve and the lapat system as key assets for attracting eco-conscious tourists. “I will use myself as an instrument to champion not only the preservation and conservation of our environment but also the people, the tradition, its culture and the community, and I will leave a mark that will be remembered by everyone as someone who is devoted with the love of his province,” he concluded.
Mangligot, responding to a question about balancing development with environmental and cultural preservation, stressed the importance of utilizing technological advancements in education, healthcare, and agriculture to benefit Apayao’s cultural identity, products, and values.
“Let us prove that us, yApayaos, are deeply rooted to our culture and heritage, that we bloom in modernization, we shine brightly and live sustainability in the progressing province of Apayao.” By Krizza Castillo
