Miss Ilocos Norte 2017 crowns Miss Paoay

LAOAG CITY, Ilocos Norte -- In search of the best lady representing the virtue and values of the Ilocano women, ‘women of the North,’ the provincial government once again brought up Miss Ilocos Norte 2017 a few days ago at the Ilocos Norte Centennial Arena.

Reigning Miss Ilocos Norte 2016 Roxette Gyle de Roxas of Dingras passed on her crown to ‘Balasang ti Paoay,’ Miss Paoay Dianne Irish Lacayanga who bested the other 22 ladies aiming for the title.

Lacayanga, 19, a natural stunner with a height of 5’8”, also bagged Best in Swimsuit, Best in Evening Gown and Best in Philippine Terno awards.

Rachel Peters, recently crowned Miss Universe Philippines 2017, chaired the board of judges.

Miss Paoay responded to the final question and answer portion thrown by Peters, “As a young Ilocana, what will you contribute to the rapid growth of Ilocos Norte?,” stating that she’ll be “setting a good example, inspiring and influencing” fellow Ilocanos to remain optimistic despite misfortunes, to “not to ever give up in everything and hold our head up high, to stand up and try again” after our failures.

“Let us always be reminded that our greatest glory is not in never falling but in rising in every time we fall,” she added, emphasizing the importance of resiliency as part of success.

The panel of judges was also composed of renowned personalities in the fashion industry Joji Loren, JP Singson, and Vittorio Barba; 2016 November Bar Examinations Top 6 Mark Dave Camarao, Ilocos Norte Prov’l Director of the Philippine National Police Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr; Influential Personality in Philippine Pageantry Norman Tinio; Pampanga Tourism Office Arwyn Paul Lingat; Miss Philippines Fire Patricia Tumulak; and Miss Ilocos Norte 2014 Yna Adina.

Meanwhile, Keena Austin Madamba of the Municipality of San Nicolas was hailed first runner-up; April Faylogna of the town of Pagudpud as second runner-up; Andrea Dawn Peralta of Laoag City as third runner-up; and Hannah Jen Padilla of Solsona as fourth runner-up.

The newly crowned winners are the province’s ambassadors on education, livelihood, sports, and youth development programs, among others.

Ilocos Norte Provincial Tourism Officer Mr. Ian Ree Raquel considers the said pageant not just a typical beauty contest but a way to “uplift” Ilocano youth, particularly the women, since the pageant is a platform for the provincial government in providing scholarships and career opportunities.

Lacayanga will also be representing the province in an upcoming segment of GMA TV Noontime Show Eat-Bulaga, Miss Millennial Philippines.