After extensive screenings, the organizers of the first Sandugo Queen, finally revealed its 17 official candidates last Friday, June 28.
The 17 candidates shared a piece of their mind and showed off their striking personalities to the members of the media.
Sandugo Queen is the first provincewide pageant for gay and transsexual members of the LGBTQAI+ community, a society of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, asexual, aromantic, agender, and intersex individuals, with a “+” for those who are in the process of self discovery, or have more complex identities.
According to Khim Ryan Laway Magtagad, Sandugo Queen 2019 pageant chairman, the pageant aims to empower LGBTQAI+ by giving them a platform to express their thoughts and views on inclusion, diversity and equality. It is also a celebration of their unique beauty, wit and talent.
“The pageant is making a big difference and impact of the LGBTQIA+ in the community,” said Magtagad of the LGBT-Tagbilaran community.
She added that the candidates have their own advocacies and the pageant “will be a platform that when they will become part of Sandugo Queen they have the title to touch the lives of other people.”
The Sandugo Queen 2019 will crown winners for Sandugo Queen, Sandugo Queen Tourism, Sandugo Queen Youth Ambassadress, Sandugo Queen 1st Princess and Sandugo Queen 2nd Princess.
The swimwear competition is on July 5, at 1 p.m. at the BQ Mall, while the talent competition is on July 17, 1 p.m. at the Island City Mall.
The grand coronation is on July 26, 8 p.m. at the Bohol Cultural Center.
Miss Bohol 2019
Meanwhile, in their jumpsuit created by Bilar-based couturier Aileen Sendrijas-Pasagad, the 14 candidates of Miss Bohol 2019 strutted in front of media, during Friday’s press presentation held at the Ceremonial Hall of the New Provincial Capitol.
Iza Gail Latonio. 20, representing Atharra Primeland; Mary Tabada, 19, representing Talibon; Catherine Tabaniag, 20, representing Panglao; and Celina Villoceno, 22, representing Tagbilaran City, wowed the press and visitors. Notably, all the ladies answered the grueling questions from the press.
Despite their busy schedule, Mutya ng Pilipinas -Global Beauty Queen 2018 and Miss Bohol 2017 Pauline Amelinckx and Miss Bohol 2018 Raclare Stephan Trigo were able to attend the event. They managed to project a positive aura.
On July 12, the ladies will showcase their talent.
The Miss Bohol Grand Coronation Night is happening on July 20, 7 p.m. at the Bohol Wisdom Gym.