• ANDREW ALTAREJOS
Fourteen stunning and empowered women from across Negros Island were officially sashed as candidates by representatives from their respective local government units (LGUs), during the Miss Universe Philippines Negros Island sashing ceremony and press presentation at the Main Atrium of SM City Bacolod Friday.
Each candidate introduced herself and shared the advocacy she will be promoting throughout the pageant. Kashmere Granada, the local director for Miss Universe Philippines Negros Island, officially welcomed the candidates and LGU representatives to kick off this year’s competition.
The official candidates presented during the press presentation were Clarisse Mole Geriane (Brgy. Estefania), Kyla Grace Giganto (Brgy. Granada), and Anya Jezella Arnaez (Brgy. Singcang Airport) from Bacolod City; Nathalie Magat (Bais City); Jewel Maxine Vasquez (Binalbagan); Maria Fatima Alsowyed (Dumaguete City); Rani Lachmi Dado (E.B. Magalona); Sienna Sepida (E. B. Magalona); Maxine Louise Martin (Ilog); Alexandria Margarette Colmenares (La Carlota City); Bea Antonio (Manapla); Anneka Zoe Galve (Pulupandan); Joyce Christine Gonzales (Sagay City); and Megan Larisse Baldevia (Silay City).
Following the sashing was a press presentation where members of the media had the opportunity to question the candidates. Anneka Zoe Galve, the candidate representing Pulupandan, was selected by the press corps and awarded the title “Darling of the Press.”
The award was presented to Galve by local director Kashmere Granada and Carla Cañet, content director and editor of Tanyag News and Features.
The event was co-presented by Beetzee Play, SM City Bacolod, Park Inn by Radisson Bacolod, NU Bacolod, Esthetica Rehab Medic and Wellness Center, and Flower Studio BCD.
Meanwhile, a fashion show gala for a cause will be on September 13 at the Ruins in Talisay City, and the MUPH Negros Island pre-pageant on Sept. 21 at Acasia Hotel Bacolod, and Grand Coronation Night on Sept. 27 at Silay Gymnasium.*
