Mr. and Miss Kalinga candidates don official sashes

Tabuk City, Kalinga - One of the most anticipated events of this year's 29th Kalinga Founding Anniversary and 5th Bodong Festival is finally here with the sash-donning ceremony for the Mr. and Miss Kalinga candidates.

This ceremony took place during the festival's kickoff on February 5.

While female candidates have traditionally been the focal point in the search for the province's ambassador, this time, Kalinga's male contestants now have the opportunity to showcase their wit, masculinity, and talents in the realm of pageantry.

The sashes for both the male and female contenders vying for the coveted crowns were personally placed by local executives from the province's cities and municipalities, along with representatives from select public and private offices in the area.

The biggest provincial pageant will be giving the spotlight this year to 8 candidates for Mister Kalinga and 13 beauties for Miss Kalinga.

They are Justine Capito of Tabuk; Rex Lasi of Balbalan; Justine Edduba of Pasil; Juanito Wanason of Tinglayan; Alford Bomosao of Tanudan; Jayson Maestre of Lubuagan; Jhay Mark Aragon of Rizal; and Allen Carl Liagao of Pinukpuk.

For Ms. Kalinga, 13 ladies vying for the title include Mercedes Moguil of Tinglayan; Thea Coleen CDaligdig; Wylan Christine Wacdisan, Balbalan; Resley Tamdog, Pinukpuk; Audrey Cana Magallis, Tabuk; Jemmae Biangdan; Mary Elizabeth Talata, Lubuagan; Natasha Vhic Bayed, Rizal; Beverly Ashley Dawaton, Pasil; Aileen M. Dalimag, Tanudan; Ashley-Ann Sumoldong; Sunshine Cagdan; and Claudine Carag.

To recall, the candidates were formally introduced during a press presentation held on February 1 at the Davidson Hotel in Bulanao Norte, Tabuk City.

The “Darlings of the Press” were chosen during the event following a brief question-and-answer segment.

The winners of the special award will be announced during the final night.

Meanwhile, Rizal, being the title holder in 2023, will have to defend its Miss Kalinga crown as they bid for a back-to-back win for said title.

Meantime, the coronation night slated for February 13 will be held at the Kalinga Astrodome, Bulanao, Tabuk City, Kalinga.

To find the rightful winners of the most coveted crowns, the contenders will participate in swimsuit and evening gown rounds in addition to a question-and-answer session.