Christine B. Gatal Is Reyna Elena 2021

It has been a long long time since I got involved at a Santacruzan activity here in Bohol, my home province. We got excited in the family when a niece, Christine B. Gatal came first in the search for the Reyna Elena. That meant finding the most exquisite and most fabulous gowns to wear for her coronation and procession aboard her own float adorned with flowers.

Reyna Elena 2021 is Christine Gatal

She needed two gowns for her two- day appearances that included a floral offering for Blessed Virgin Mary at the parish church in Ilihan, Ubay, her coronation as Reyna Elena at the San Vicente Ferrer Parish Church and followed by a procession along the main thoroughfares in their parish. For her first appearance, she wore a modern Filipiniana gown in shimmery blue created by Aileen Pasagad Couture.

Aileen Pasagad Couture gown

For her coronation as Reyna Elena, she wore an exquisite Rose Paul Silhouette creation. The stylized Filipiniana gown in white featured an embellished & intricately designed bodice encrusted with crystals and beads and cinched at the waist. Adding a dramatic detail to the see- through back are the perfectly aligned pearl buttons. The voluminous skirt supported by a petticoat completes the elegance and majestic splendor of the gown.

Rose Paul Silhouette gown details

Christine Gatal: Reyna Elena 2021

Ilihan, Ubay’s representative Christine Gatal, a 16 year old Grade 9 student at one of the private schools in Tagbilaran City was crowned by Rev. Fr. Epifanio Gupita, the parish priest, as Reyna Elena in a simple but meaningful ceremony.  

The Reyna Elena takes her crowning walk

The Confraternity of Our Lady of Lourdes led by Apple Marie Felisilda had been spearheading the annual Santacruzan fundraiser in Ubay before it was cancelled last year due to the pandemic that struck the world last year.

with sister Shiela & cousin Flint

Twelve out of 44 baranggays in Ubay that belonged to the San Vicente Ferrer Parish sent close to a hundred representatives.

The annual search for Reyna Elena and the Santacruzan festivities resumed this year amidst stricter safety & health protocols.  Proceeds will be for the completion of the sacristy of Sr. San Vicente Ferrer Parish Church.