BAGUIO CITY – A 20-year old working student and fresh college graduate from Camdas barangay was crowned Miss Baguio 2017 during the pageant night held last Sept. 17 at the Baguio Convention Center.
Karla Jane O’Hara, a disc jockey at a local FM station who just obtained her bachelor’s degree in communications from the St. Louis University bested 22 other candidates in the annual beauty pageant held in line with the Charter Day anniversary of the city.
O’Hara who stands 5’5” at 110 lbs also copped the Darling of the Press, Best in Filipiniana Costume and Best in Swimsuit plums to emerge as the winningest candidate of the night.
Judy Caasi, a fourth year BS Tourism Management student also of SLU was adjudged Miss Tourism. The 19-year old lass from Bakakeng barangay also won the Best in Long Gown special award.
The Miss Liga ng mga Barangay title went to Lyneree Wly Montero of Trancoville. The 20-year old SLU medical technology internship student also won the Ms. Prestige International, a sponsor award.
Completing the Miss Baguio court were Divina Villanueva, first runner-up; Karen Mabalo, second runner-up; Marikit Manaois, third runner-up and Maria Izabel Lamberth, fourth runner-up.
Lamberth clinched the Miss Photogenic award while her Noveau Filipiniana costume by Rian Fernandez won the Best Designer award.
Other special award winners were Rhea Krizelle Solomon, Miss Baguio Charity for having the most ticket sales; Camille Cardines, Best in Casual Attire; Martina Joy Agbayani, People’s Choice Award; Nikkie Famatigan, Darling of the Crowd; CJ Olive Virador, Glamour Girl as chosen by the media practitioners; and Blessie Jane Gines, Miss Friendship.
Mayor Mauricio Domogan who graced the judging and coronation night hailed the success of the event and expressed pride for the winners.
“Truly, our city produces champions not only in the field of sports, academics and others but also in the arena of beauty and this was proven anew by the outcome of the Miss Baguio pageant where the winners who with their beauty and intelligence are truly deserving of their titles,” the mayor said.
Sonny David Ticwala, head of the Sonny T. Productions which organized the event, thanked all those who helped in the successful conduct of the pageant.
Ticwala said the Miss Baguio winners will fulfill their obligations as ambassadress of the city helping in the promotion and the various programs of the city government. ** Aileen P. Refuerzo
