Maranaw lass is GenSan’s Lakambini ng Kalilangan 2008

After a show-stopping opening number interrupted momentarily by rain, the Pageant Night for the Search for the Lakandula & Lakambini 2008 (the real deal this time) went on without a hitch last night (Feb 23) at the Oval Plaza Stage.

Eight lovely ladies (the prettiest batch i’ve seen) and eight young hunks showed their stuff to prove that they have what it takes to bring home the Kalilangan Festival‘s most prestigious beauty and talents search titles.

In the end, the judges which were composed of First Lady Dr. Rose Acharon, commercial model Ariel Atendido (brother of Councilor Richard), international make-up artist & TV celebrity Ms. Ivory Malagena, Assistant City Administrator (and kabarkada) Glennville Gonzales, Bro. Yourli Estrellan, GSC Chamber Exec Director Pilar Afuang (who stays with us) among others, chose multi-awardee and heavily-favored Ms. Jehan Untao, a Maranao nursing student at GS Doctor’s  Medical School Foundation, Inc. and Mr. Gilton Samilin, a practical nursing enrollee of Holy Trinity College as Lakambini & Lakandula respectively, besting their opponents from bigger schools MSU and NDDU.

Other winners were 1st runners-up Mr. & Ms. Joey Butulan & Eden Torrecampo and 2nd runners-up Mr. & Ms. Dino Lapiz & Christine Rabanos.

The affair finished around midnight which did not give me a chance to watch either the Aiza Seguerra Concert at the Lagao Gymm or the HALE Streetparty at East Asia Royale Hotel where sexy girl-group Mocha & performed last year and the Browman Revival the previous day. Instead, to cap the night, I had noodle soup with my brother & event manager Orman’s staff at the Kalilangan Coffee Shop of East Asia where we stayed until my eyes could barely open themselves and my mind was flying elsewhere.

By the way, earlier that night, someone pointed out to me the reigning Binibining Masayahin 2008 (Ms. Gay 2008) among the people at the backstage. Sans make-up & wearing only a casual get-up, she was, I guess, still pretty and carried it like the beauty title holder that she is. 🙂