Meet the 2026 BPHSN International Homecoming Queen: Margarita Llido-Torn

Last night, Margarita "Jijing" Llido- Torn who represented the Phoebes of Class 1976 was crowned the 2026 BPHSN Grand International Homecoming Queen in glittering  ceremonies at the MetroCentre Hotel & Convention Center.

2026 BPHSN Queen

Her crowning was a date with destiny. 

She was crowned exactly 100 years after her mom, the late Ascension Gaviola- Llido was crowned the first Miss Bohol and the first Boholana to represent the province in a national beauty pageant, the 1926 Miss Philippines search which replaced the Philippines Carnival Queen.

The newly- crowned homecoming queen finished her elementary and high school education in the bustling coastal town of Jagna, Bohol. 

She took her Pre-nursing in Velez College Cebu City and Graduated in BPHSN in 1976. 

After passing the Philippine Licensure Examination for Nurses, she worked as an OR nurse in the Divine Word Hospital managed by the Benedictine Sisters. 

L-R: Regencia, Torn, Hardnett & Anselmo

Named as Princesses Adela Refamonte- Regencia of The Glasgows Batch 85, Milagros Himalaloan - Hardnett of The Theresians Batch 84 and Romana Narisma- Anselmo of The Melchorians Batch 74 

The ladies with their consorts

During the presentation of candidates

The queen with her batchmates

She put her hospital work on hold in 1978 so she can take care of her Mom Ascension in Cebu City. 

She worked briefly as a medical representative of the United American Pharmaceutical Company before she acquired her Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree in CCC. 

From 1979 to 1984, she worked as a company nurse at the Floating Casino before moving to the new building in Nivel Hills Cebu City. 

She made her big move in 1984 when she left for New York to accompany her elderly mother. 

She then moved to Fort Lauderdale, Florida, met and exchanged lifetime vows with the man of her dreams, the wonderful Howard Torn. 

After getting her Registered Nurse License , she worked in John Knox Health until 2007.  

Her greatest passions are fishing, tennis and traveling. She is a member of the Women’s International Fishing Association and is a world record holder of the International Game Fishing Association in Fly Fishing division. 

She still competes in women’s fishing In Inshore and Offshore divisions all over the world as well as being competitive in Singles Tennis division. 

At present, she continues to travel, fish, play tennis and enjoy her life to the fullest.

Screams & Panic as the 1979 Miss Universe Stage Collapses

After weeks of endless photo shoots, wardrobe fittings, promotional tours &rehearsals, the 1979 Miss Universe Pageant finally had its glittering coronation night and beamed live all over the world from was the Perth Entertainment Centre in Perth, Australia. July 20, 1979.

Minutes before the stage collapsed 

The 28th Miss Universe Maritza Sayalero

Maritza Sayalero, 18, confirmed her frontrunner status as she topped the swimsuit, evening gown and interviews during the semifinal round. 

The stars aligned for the 18 year old beauty that evening and before the night was over, Venezuela had won its first Miss Universe crown. 

Maritza pipped Gina Swainson of Bermuda into second place. ( Ms. Swainson went on to win the 1979 Miss World title later that year) Miss England Carolyn Seaward was 2nd RU and Miss Photogenic, Miss Brazil, Martha Jussara de Costa was 3rd RU and Miss Sweden Anette Marie Ekstrom was 4th RU.

Miss England gets a helping hand

Miss Brazil is pulled out from the pile

A few minutes after the pageant had finished its telecast, hysterical screams were heard and pandemonium broke out after part of the stage collapsed. The sudden surge of close to 200 photographers and reporters on the stage designed to hold only 75 girls was the main cause of the accident.

Miss Universe 79 with Miss Malta

Around 20 girls and 30 reporters then fell down from a 6 ft x 9 ft hole and plunged two meters to the ground below.

The girls from Malta and Turkey were taken to the hospital for concussions and leg injuries while Miss Philippines and Miss Costa Rica had bruises after the fall.

It was the new Miss Universe's luck that the crack didn't reach her throne by a few inches sparing her, Miss Bermuda & Miss Sweden from falling into the pit.

Miss Brazil & Miss England, two of the runners up and who were seated closer to the edge were among those who fell with the Brazilian contestant complaining that her $3,000 evening gown was ruined.

It was a good thing that the CBS had just ended its live coverage before the incident otherwise TV audiences from the US and around the world would have seen the shocking incident.

Miss Philippines, Criselda "Dang" Cecilia went on to become a movie actress and played leading lady to top action stars and comedy kings. She later gave up showbusiness when she settled down for good.