Photos by Czarina Geronimo
BATAAN – Two of the top three places in the first ever search for Ms Lakambini ng Las Casas beauty pageant were won by two sisters. Diana Velasco was crowned Lakambini ng Las Casas 2017, Dianne April Pangilinan was 1st runner up as Reina del Oriente, while Diana’s older sister, Donna Velasco, came away with the 2nd runner up plum as Reina Occidente.
Organized by Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar, the pageant was held in the resort’s Heritage Convention Center at Hotel de Oriente last May 30. The 18 contestants representing towns in Bataan were drawn to the final 6 and were asked for their stand on the utilization of the Las Casas as a medium for heritage restoration and unification.
“The Lakambini ng Las Casas aims to revive the glory and pride of the Manila Carnival Queens. The chosen queen from the pageant will be the Reyna Elena for the Grand Santacruzan.” revealed Erwin Doña, Marketing Communications manager of Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar.
The event was started by the opening of an exhibit of gowns by world renowned fashion designers such as Francis Libiran and Albert Andrada displayed in the same venue.
“We are pleased to share this moment with you today as we open the exhibit of Fairest of the Fair: Manila Carnival Queens from 1908 to 1939 that will pay tribute to the Manila Carnival Queens. The Origin and Evolution of Filipino-Inspired Fashion is an exhibit featuring Filipiniana gowns and ternos made by notable Filipino designers are also on display.” he added.
The awards were given by Janela Joy Quaton, Mutya ng Pilipinas Tourism International 2015 and veteran fashion designer Renee Salud with Troy Montero as master of ceremonies.