Ilocos Norte eyes cultivation of Ilocano beauty queens

By Leilanie G. Adriano

Staff Reporter

IN A MOVE to further promote Ilocos Norte as a prime tourist destination, the Ilocos Norte provincial government has begun development of Ilocano beauties who would represent the province in national and international beauty tilts in the future.

“Beauty and brain competitions are gaining popularity in the Philippines and so we would also like to make our presence felt in national pageants,” said Ian Ree Raquel, Ilocos Norte provincial tourism officer.

Presently, at least 23 candidates who will represent the different municipalities and cities for the Miss Ilocos Norte 2014 are being trained by personality development experts in the province with emphasis on public speaking, proper dressing and make-up including acting like a beauty queen among others.

“We would like to help develop their potential,” said Raquel as these local beauty queens who have general following in their respective communities shall also undergo orientation about the various programs and projects of the provincial government for them to familiarize themselves and appreciate the government’s effort to promote Ilocos Norte’s tourism development programs and more.

After almost a decade of absence, the provincial government under the administration of a lady governor attempts to revive the search for Miss Ilocos Norte in time for the provincial festival of Ilocos Norte this May.

Dubbed as a “beauty pageant for a cause”, the winning candidate shall be entitled for a four-year scholarship grant which can also be transferrable in case the candidate has already graduated from college. A charity project of her choice shall also be provided to whoever reigns as Miss Ilocos Norte on May 7, courtesy of the provincial government, including an opportunity to represent the province in national beauty pageants.

“This is our first attempt and we hope that with the help of everyone, we will be able to achieve this,” Raquel said after presenting the official candidates to the media recently.

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