MAYOR Samuel “Sammy” Co cannot hold back his excitement after city bet Jeany Rose Joromat took home the title of Miss ZamboSur 2009 in a beauty pageant held during the province’s celebration of its 57th founding year and Megayon Festival.
The search composed of 24 candidates from among the province’s municipalities and the coronation night took place, Sept. 13, at the newly built Megayon Stage inside the Agri-tourism Herritage Complex in Dao, this city.
Co, in a press conference with journalists at his office, said this is the second time during his incumbency that the city was able to grab the pageant title of Miss Zambosur.
“She speaks very well, has good diction and is fluent in English aside from her natural beauty,” the mayor described Joromat to journalists.
“If we have big affairs and competition in Zamboanga del Sur, people are expecting mas makalamang ang Pagadian kay daghan man ta’g mga estudyante nag-eskwela dinhi nga mga gwapa pod,” Co added.
The 19-year old BEEd senior from Southern Mindanao College is a resident of San Pedro District and dreams of becoming a teacher. She said that she will make use of her title and future public exposures to promote Pagadian City and Zamboanga del Sur.
“To the young ladies, every time you are given the chances to join a pageant like Miss Zamboanga de Sur, you grab it because it is a rare opportunity that you can show and prove that you have the capabilities,” advised Joromat.
She also represented Philhealth and was also chosen “Best in Ethnic Inspired Wear” designed by Rey Cimafranca, who was awarded Best Designer that evening.
Meanwhile, the City Council passed a resolution a day after Joromat’s winning to hand out an additional P18,000 cash reward aside from the P5,000 she earlier received from Co.
When asked what she will do with her cash awards, Joromat replied that she will use part of it for her tuition and give the rest to her mother.
In the said beauty search, Jhemma Gomez of Margosatubig was crowned First Princess; Rachel Olarte of Mahayag and SK Provincial Federation is the Second Princess; Gretchen Mae Ayco of Dumingag and BJMP Provincial Office is the Third Princess while Jenny Joy Adorador of Vincenzo Sagun and Phil. Para-Medical and Technical School is Ms. Culture and Arts.
Rep. Antonio Cerilles and wife, Gov. Aurora Cerilles along with Miss Philippines Earth 2008 Marie Hazel Eguia crowned all the winning beauties.
For the special awards, Ayco was chosen Best in Play Suit, Miss Professionalism and Miss Navigation Princes while Dina Pacas of Lakewood and NCIP is Miss Friendship; Michelle Briones of Tambulig and PNB-Pagadian is Miss Photogenic; Adorador is Best in Gown and Miss Popular and Marter Gay Soriano from Midsalip and DAR-9 is Best in Talent.
All winners of the special award received P2,000 each plus trophies.
REPORT BY JONG CADION