Memories from the 1999 Miss Bohol International Pageant

It has been 20 years since the inaugural search for Miss Bohol International was launched. It was to be the most high- profile and most glamorous highlight of the first TBTK or Tigum Bol- anon Tibuok Kalibutan jointly hosted by the provincial government of Bohol, the city government of Tagbilaran and the diocese of Tagbilaran.

It was a most exciting beauty competition since all 14 candidates who had Boholana lineage represented Bohol associations from Canada, the United States and from the Philippines.

Miss Bohol International 1999  Press Presentation & Swimsuit Poolside Presentation

Bohol Tropics Resort, July 19, 1999

Miriam Quiambao, the beauty queen & media darling who captivated the entire country after she emerged 1^st runner up in the 1999 Miss Universe Pageant held in Triinidad & Tobago just a month ago had accepted the invitation from CONBUSAC & TBTK organizers to crown the first Miss Bohol International. 

the invitation which I kept for posterity 

Among the members of the panel of judges were fashion luminary & beauty queen maker Renee Salud and the elegant Izza Gonzales Agana, 1985 Bb Pilipinas Maja and 1985 Miss Maja International 2^nd Runner Up. Official designer for the swimsuits and evening gowns was renowned Boholano Shanon Pamaong.   

 prior to the pageant night, 1999 Miss Universe 1st RU Miriam Quiambao made a 

charity visit at the GCGMH Pediatrics Ward

At the conclusion of the jampacked coronation night held at the then DWCT Gymnasium, it was Chan Retutas Cajegas, a tall and svelte Physical Therapy student from the University of Bohol and representing the Boholanos of Eastern USA, who got the nod of the judges and was crowned by no less than Miriam Quiambao, 1999 Miss Universe 1st Runner Up and then Bohol Governor, Rene Lopez Relampagos.

Rounding out the final five were Paulette Bolofer, Miss Michigan, 1st RU, Mary Theresa Cumba, Miss Illinois, 2nd RU & Miss Talent, Bambi Evardone, Miss Bohol, 3rd RU & Louella Pantoja, Miss Loon, 4th RU and Best in Evening Gown.