Homage to Carnival Queens

Lakambini ng Las Casas comes to a successful conclusion

To end the May season of fiestas, Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar staged its unique contribution to the hospitality industry: a local beauty pageant that brings back the glory of carnival queens of yore.

The quest for a new queen unfolded last May 28, at its heritage collection houses in Bagac, Bataan.

Headed by Dr. Jerome Navarro of Recamadecos de los Santos Imagenes de Pulilan, an exhibit titled “Ang Debosyon Kay Maria,” featuring 35 of the most- sought after Marian pieces, which came all the way from Pulilan, Bulacan, welcomed the guests before dawn at the Hotel de Oriente.

Lakambini ng Las Casas, the main event, was held soon after. On its second year, the pageant paid homage to the fabled Carnival Queen pageant. Said historical beauty competition unconsciously sparked a beauty tradition that would last for more than three decades, paving the way for the future beauty pageants in the Philippines.

“Living up to the mission of Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar, we are dedicated to bringing the best of Filipino heritage and culture back to the consciousness of the modern world. Among our efforts is reviving the glory and pride of Manila Carnival Queens, which greatly played a role in the Philippine history of local pageantry,” said Erwin Dona, Las Casas director of Marketing.

Nineteen-year-old Lakambini ng Balanga Trisha Martinez was a stunner in a Ferdinand Sayo gown as she was crowned Lakambini ng Las Casas 2018. Barely new to pageantry, she admitted that the numerous challenges in the competition made her win much sweeter.

Asked whether she sees herself joining national pageants, Martinez said she wants to finish her studies. The five-foot-eight-inch mestiza beauty is currently in her sophomore year taking up Medicine at the University of the East-Manila.

New San Jose Builders Affiliates president MJ Yamomo and Miss Earth 2008 Karla Henry both agreed that Martinez is the total package. Yamomo explained, “From her looks to her beautiful gown and to her being an advocate for women, of course, I think she deserves it.”

Henry added, “I think what she has is really stage presence. From the moment she (stepped onstage for the) production number, she already caught our eye.”

Eighteen-year-old Mariveles representative Christine Torres finished as Reina del Oriente. Meanwhile, 17-year-old Bagac native Alyssa Nojadera bagged the Reina Occidente title.

For the special awards, Lakambini NLEX (Miss Congeniality) Alyssa Nojadera, Lakambini Fotographia (Miss Photogenic) and Lakambini Ruel Rivera (Best in Long Gown) Martinez, as well as Lakambini Victoria Skin Care Clinic (Best in Swimsuit) Torres received sponsors’ gifts, sashes and certificates.

This year’s board of judges comprised of notable personalities including Miss Earth 2008 Karla Henry, honarary consul for the Republic of Angola Helen Ong, ABS-CBN news anchor Ambet Nabus, Bataan Peninsula Tourism Council Foundation Inc. Board of Trustee Racquel Francis Garcia, Miss Earth Philippines-Air 2017 Kim de Guzman, Region 3 supervising tourism officer Criselle May S. Yambao, Miss World Philippines general manager Bessie Besana, New San Jose Builders Affiliates president MJ Yamomo, NCCA Subcommission on the Arts head Teddy Co and Fashion Designer Association of the Philippines president Gil Gardana.

The following day, May 29, newly-hailed queens Lakambini ng Las Casas (grand winner), Lakambini Reina del Oriental (first runner-up) and Lakambini Reina del Occidental (second runner-up), along with the other candidates, participated in the Grand Santacruzan as Reyna Elena, Reyna Emperatriz and Reyna de las Flores, respectively.

The three lovely queens played stars in the traditional sunduan drama where they were escorted by a marching band from different casas. At Casa Candaba, Reyna de las Flores, Reyna Emperatriz and Reyna Elena gave the cross to the hermano mayor, Amor Salud. This day was also celebrated with a mass and a grand parade that culminated with a two-minute fireworks display at the Hotel de Oriente.