By Robert R. Requintina
The 22 official candidates of the inaugural Ginoong Calabarzon 2018 pageant were presented to the media during a presentation held in Quezon City last Sunday.
The official candidates are Jayvee Olemberio, John Mark Corteza, Porutotage Ryan Shahen Cabangcla, Richard Flores, Ritch Kerby Reyes, Ivan Hernandez, Emmanuel Lawrence Guinto, Christian John Laqui, Billy Joel dela Cruz, John Louise Aldrich Babasa, Rico-Dy Contreras, Anecito Guillena Jr., Robin Hanrath, Marc Hoven Pua, Paulo Laroza, Jericho Coronado, Jhinson Rolloda, Kennethn Mabait, Ricky Gumera, Yuichi Ken Sekiguchi, Jewel Mikhail Palicpic, and Julius Calingasan.
Three titles are at stake for the pageant that promotes the five component provinces of Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal and Quezon. Organizers said that there will be a separate title for Ginoong Calabarzon Montage 2018. There will also be two runners-up in the finals.
“We are looking for someone who will inspire, educate and empower not just the whole region but the whole country as they represent the Philippines in pageants abroad,” said Yam Arellano, managing director of the pageant.
During the press presentation, three beautiful crowns for Ginoong Calabarzon 2018, Ginoong Calabarzon Turismo 2018 and Ginoong Calabarzon Kabataan 2018 were unveiled by Chino Laylo, President and CEO, GCO; Norman Tinio, of normannorman.com; and Brix Veyra, of Sash Factor.
The crowns for the regional male pageant were designed by Manny Halasan, the same person who created the crowns for Miss World Philippines, Miss Scuba Philippines, Miss Asia Pacific International, etc.
Ricky Gumera, 19, won the Darling of the Press special award as chosen by media men who attended the press presentation. Gumera is a graduate of Marine transportation, works as marketing assistant in his alma mater and loves to play basketball and dancing.
Cash prizes, management contract and P4 million accidental and personal insurance await the winners.
The finals of Ginoong Calabazon 2018 contest will be held at the Colegio de San Juan de Letran – Calamba on May 26.
