2 senators grace LC Pamulinawen 2014

By Dominic B. dela Cruz

Staff Reporter

Senators Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos Jr. and Cynthia Villar served as guests of honor during the highlight programs of the 2014 Pamulinawen Festival here in Laoag City.

Marcos served as the crowning guest during the coronation of Miss Laoag City Pamulinawen International Quest held Feb. 10.

With the senator during the pageant was his elder sister, Ilocos Norte Gov. Ma. Imelda “Imee” R. Marcos.

The senator congratulated Laoag Mayor Chevylle V. Fariñas and her husband, Laoag Vice Mayor Michael V. Fariñas for the “magnificent spectacle” that they have provided yearly for the celebration of the Pamulinawen Festival.

He also acknowledged the pageants’ contestants who he said were from different parts of the county with some coming from as far as Hawaii.

This is the reason, he stressed, that Ilocanos should miss this festival since there are a lot of fun and activities.

The governor, for her part, also congratulated the Fariñas couple for a “job well done” in making the city fiesta an internationally acclaimed celebration as evidenced by the Miss Laoag City International Quest.

Ms Marcos was earlier the crowning guest of the Miss ABC pageant held Feb. 4 where she also congratulated all the city’s barangay chairpersons, headed by Laoag Liga ng mga Barangay President Mary Michelle Louise “Mikee” V. Fariñas, daughter of the Laoag mayor and vice mayor, for a “beautiful pageant.”

During the occasion, the governor also announced that the provincial government will hold a search for Miss Ilocos Norte this May where all the 21 municipalities and two cities of the province will be sending their respective candidates to vie for the title.

This year’s Pamulinawen Queen is Kimberly Mae Penchon. Aside from winning the Miss Laoag City Pamulinawen International Quest title, Penchon was previously, Miss Agoo, Mutia ti La Union and Miss Baguio City.

Other winners of the pageant are Ma. Theresa Ibale, first runner up; Trisha Carbonel, second runner up; Ma. Angelica Fandag third runner up; and Sheena Dalo fourth runner up

Aside from the search for Miss LC International Quest held February 10, other Pamulinawen activities were the Diana around the City, Holy Mass, Komedya Ilocana and the Pamulinawen Street Pageantry.

Meanwhile, Senator Cynthia Villar graced the Agriculture Sector Night on February 12 for the coronation of the Miss RIC 2014.

The Pamulinawen Festival is a month-long celebration.