Raniel Shaine Saulog (center), Miss Iloilo 2023, joins her court, 4th runner up Jeraldin Quimson, 1st runner up Chloei Darl Gabales, 2nd runner up Tracy Lois Bedua and 3rd runner up Ma. Cristina Isabel Tallador
“Beauty is not flawless; it shines even through your flaws.” – Unknown
Beauty contests are always most anticipate events. Miss Iloilo 2023 Grand Coronation Night was no exception. It was one of the biggest highlights of Iloilo Dinagyang Festival 2023. After two years of virtual reality and limited audience, it was staged with the whole shebang – from production numbers, guest performances, video presentations, light and sound effects, and all – at Iloilo Convention Center.
Eighteen lovely ladies, representing various districts of Iloilo City and different municipalities of Iloilo Province, competed in Casual Wear and Self-Introduction, Swimsuit, Long Gown and the make or break Interview Portion!
Miss Iloilo Committee Co-Chairs Beverly Rosales Chaplin and Sarah Opolencia-Peña present the bouquet to 1st runner up Chloei Darl Gabales
Miss Layson, IFFI Chair Judgee Lopez Peña and IFFI President Joemarie Layson with Best in Swimsuit Winner Chloei Darl Gabales.
At the end of the night, RANIELE SHAINE SAULOG of Cabatuan, who was earlier awarded the Best in Themed Costume, took the nod of members of the Selection Committee — FRANCIS CHEE of Miss World Philippines, businessman MIGUEL LOPEZ VARGAS, PR Man KEREN PASCUAL, talent manager to the stars JOJIE DINGCONG, DILG Usec. Atty. MARGARITA N. GUTIERREZ, vlogger/businesswoman PINKY TOBIANO, pageant coach and fashion director RAYMOND VILLANUEVA, Miss World Philippines 2022 GWENDOLYNE FOURNIOL, actor LUIS CHRISTIAN SINGSON, Mister International Philippines Universal Filipinas 2022 ANDRE CUE and Miss Earth 2015 ANGELIA ONG – and was declared Miss Iloilo 2023. She bested the other candidates for her physical and heartfelt beauty, intelligence and stage presence.
Last year’s winners: Miss Iloilo Bb. Pilipinas Elle Abella, Miss Iloilo Universe Dorothy Gemillan and Miss Iloilo World Blessie Jay Villablanca.
Francis Chee, Miss Iloilo World 2022 Blessie Jay Villablanca, 2nd runner up Tracy Lois Bedua, DILG Usec. Atty. Margarita Gutierrez and Jojie Dingcong
First runner up was Best in Underwater Shoot, Best in Swimsuit and Best in Long Gown awardee CHLOEI DARL GABALES of Jaro. Coming close third was TRACY LOIS BEDUA of Barotac Nuevo, who won the hearts of the audience by answering the questions in Hiligaynon.
Completing the circle of winners were MARIA CRISTINA ISABEL TALLADOR of Pavia and JERALDINE QUIMSON of Mandurriao, who given the Throne Award and the Miss La Carmela title.
Winners of Minor Awards also included Ma. DELZA ANDUQUE of Dumangas (Miss Selfiegenic, Best Tourism Video and Best in Casual Wear Fashion Show) and DILME AMANDA PERRERA of Calinog (Miss Talent).
Judges Raymond Villanueva, Miss World Philippines 2022 Gwendolyne Fourniol and Andre Cue
Jor-El Espina who designed the pageant swimsuits of the Miss Iloilo 2023 candidates, Pinky and Juacho Tobiano, Keren Pascual and Nicole Cordoves
Hosted by beauty queen NICOLE CORDOVES and handsome actor MARCO GUMABAO, Miss Iloilo 2023 was directed by award-winning filmmaker KEVIN PIAMONTE under the auspices of Miss Iloilo Committee, which is co-chaired by hardworking socialites SARAH OPOLENICA-PEÑA and BEVERLY ROSALES-CHAPLIN and guidance of Iloilo Festivals Foundation, Inc., head by its chair JUDGEE LOPEZ PEÑA and president JOEMARIE LAYSON.
The following day, at the sashing ceremony at SM City Iloilo, CHLOEI DARL GABALES, RANIELE SAULOG and TRACY LOIS BEDUA were proclaimed Miss Iloilo Universe 2023, Miss Iloilo World 2023 and Miss Iloilo Bb. Pilipinas 2023, respectively.
Here’s wishing these ladies will raise the Ilonggo spirit in their respective national beauty competitions. Basta Ilongga, Gwapa! (Photos were provided by Miss Iloilo Committee and Iloilo City CMO)
Luis Christian Singson, Marco Gumabao and Angelia Ong
Yours truly and La Carmela de Boracay Resort and Convention Center Reservations Officer Kathleen June Jaspe present the Miss La Carmela award to Jeraldine Quimson.