Louise Anne C. Calimlim of Brgy. Zone III won the crown for the 1^st Ms. Palarong Bayan 2017 staged at the Public Auditorium on the night of February 11, 2017.

She won P20,000 in cash prize sponsored by Royal Mall and a slew of other awards, namely Best in Shorts Wear, Ms. Mary Kay, Best in Sports Wear, Best in Long Gown, and People’s Choice Award.

Her projection skills, poise, intelligence and self-confidence are what made her win, explained entrepreneur Rowena Fernandez, who was among the tilt’s judges.

In her welcome remarks, Municipal Administrator Atty. Rodelynn Rajini A. Sagarino noted that the pageant was not just a contest for physical beauty, grace and wit, but also a venue to promote the sports and fitness development program of the Municipal Physical Fitness and Sports Development Council (MPFSDC).

Atty. Sagarino explained later that the concept evolved during the election campaign when Team Quiambao-Sabangan thought up of having a muse.

In his inspirational message, Municipal Mayor Dr. Cezar T. Quiambao commended the social relevance of the beauty pageant. Part of the commitment of the winning beauty is to become the town’s ambassadress in promoting the goals of the MPFSDC. She is someone who will “exemplify true Bayambangueña beauty, promote great love for sports, and advocate healthy lifestyle,” to quote from the MPFSDC’s program note with the tagline “Beauty for Fitness.”

Councilor Philip R. Dumalanta, chairman of the Committee on Sports and Recreational Activities, also graced the affair.

The other members of the panel of judges were Australia-based Chef Michael Vidad, Public Attorney’s Office lawyer Atty. Glee-ce Macaranas, events consultant Ayen Garcia, and retired Pangasinan State University-Bayambang Prof. Januario Cuchapin, who is also the Executive Director of the Bayambang Municipal Council of Culture and the Arts.

The Chameleon Dance Group gave a rousing opening production number, setting the tone of excitement for an evening of glitter and glamor, which attracted a thick weekend crowd.

Ms. Angelica Andrea M. Garcia of Brgy. Magsaysay was first runner-up, while Liezl A. Junio of Brgy. Buenlag was 2nd second runner-up, Riena Jane DG. Tillay of Brgy. Zone VI third runner-up, and Lady Gwyn S. Pagsolingan of Brgy. Tambac fourth runner-up. They respectively received cash prizes of P10,000, P7,000, P5,000 and P4,000.

The other minor but equally coveted award handed out before the crowning was Miss Congeniality, which went to Contestant #12, Ms. Magsaysay.  A special award from CSFirst was bagged by Contestant #10, Ms. Tambac. (Bayambang PIO/Media Affairs Office)