Monday, November 23, 2009

In search for the Pearl - the pride of Sarangani

GENERAL SANTOS CITY (November 23, 2009) – Calling it “Pearl of Sarangani” is not just another name for a pageant. The Sarangans are truly looking for its most precious jewel - a lady - from the seven towns.

For the seven candidates from Sarangani’s seven towns, the search for Pearl of Sarangani 2009 is more than just a contest.

“This time, it’s going to be different,” event organizer Maria Fe Falgui said.

The Pearl of Sarangani 2009 is one of the highlights of this year’s MunaTo Festival and the province’s 17th Foundation Anniversary with this year’s theme “The Pride of Sarangani Tri-People” from November 23-28.

“Our town has many cultures and also Sarangani has many cultures. Looking for the Pearl is a symbol of unity of our different cultures,” said Malungon candidate Jean Deguiñon, a 2nd year student from Mindanao State University .

Before November 26, the pageant’s final night, the ladies had a make over Friday, November 20, at Pleasures Saloon, a pictorial at Perfect Image and in the afternoon, went through cooking lessons at Gerardo’s School of Culinary Arts .

“We want the ladies to enjoy the contest and foster friendship among them like what we do to our province,” Falgui said

On November 21, the Pearl of Sarangani 2009 held its swim suit and talent competition at the KCC Mall of Gensan for free.

“We do this as a promotion. We want other people to witness the beauties and talents of the Sarangans,” Falgui said.

“For me, a Pearl means something that outshines the rest,” said Marjorie Buhisan, 17, a candidate from Kiamba.

“The Pearl signifies purity,” said Sandra Matutino, a nursing aid graduate of Golden State College from Alabel.

“The things I am very proud of about my town are our world-class diving site, and now our once-troubled town is very peaceful,” Maasim candidate Mia Marie Rocacorba said.

“I can always be proud of Malapatan especially our native delicacy called the tinagtag which is a Muslim delicacy,” Shina Marie Batiencila said. She is currently studying at the General Santos City Foundation, Incorporated.

“My town, Glan, is rich in coconut and it can make a lot of things. I am always proud of the hospitality of the people of my town,” Rowena Gallogo said.

“Maitum is place of the first people of Sarangani as what the word MunaTo means, and I am always proud of our treasure- the anthropomorphic jars,” Maitum candidate Sheila Mae Marquez said.

MunaTo Festival is a celebration of the rich cultural heritage of the province with the most number of native Blaan and Tboli residents. MunaTo is a Blaan term for “first people”. (Russtum G. Pelima/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

No comments: