TBTK 1999: A Blast from the Past

It was meant to be one of the glamorous side events of the 1st TBTK that was held in Bohol back in July 1999 but instead  turned out to be one of the most attended not only for the captivating girls onstage but off the stage as well. It was so successful that there were so many patrons who were not able to enter the jampacked standing room- only event. 

Your Blogger is posting this blog feature after he came across this memento that he filed for safekeeping some 16 years ago. This group shot was captured through the lenses of Nilo Sapong.  

 Twas the summer of these girls' lives

 Your Blogger even kept a copy of the invitation!

THE 1999  QUEEN

Named the 1999 Miss Bohol International was Chan Retutas Cajegas, a tall and svelte Physical Therapy student from the University of Bohol and representing the Boholanos of Eastern USA. Chan was crowned in July 1999 by no less than Miriam Quiambao fresh from her victory as 1999 Miss Universe 1st Runner Up and then Bohol Governor, Rene Lopez Relampagos.

 THE 1999  RUNNERS UP

Her Runners Up were Paulette Bolofer, Miss Michigan, 1st Runner Up, Theresa Cumba, Miss Illinois, 2nd Runner Up, Bambi Evardone, Miss Bohol, 3rd Runner Up & Louella Pantoja, Miss Loon, 4th Runner Up.

TBTK 2015

Join the throngs of Boholanos from around the world who are turning up for the TBTK 2015 celebration from July 22 to July 27 just on time for the Sandugo Festival right here in Tagbilaran City, Bohol.

For more of the activity schedules and updates, here’s the Facebook Page of TBTK 2015

See You All!

2012 Miss Bohol Int'l: Mary Ebone C. Cimafranca

Summer of 2012 would always be memorable for Mary Ebone Calimbayan Cimafranca for it was during this period when she came in full bloom. This svelte and voluptuous seventeen year old won two very important Bohol- based pageant titles within a three week period.

So how did this self- confessed pageant newbie manage this remarkable feat?

Mary Ebone humbly cites her family and her team of pageant handlers for her twin victories. "

And of course, 2010 Miss Venezuela Vanessa Goncalves who was my inspiration for both pageants. 

I diligently watched her pageant videos especially her pasarela, her stance, her snaps and turns. Venezuelan beauty queens truly fascinate me"

Miss Teen Tagbilaran 2012, April 28, 2012

She literally and figuratively stood head over shoulders during the pageant. 

Before the night was over she had scooped the Best in Swimsuit, Miss Photogenic, Best in Gown, Best in Casual Wear and Best in Production Number special awards on her way to snagging the title of Miss Teen Tagbilaran 2012

The final question was " Who do you think is the greatest woman?"

Her answer:

“For me, the greatest woman would be my mother. Not only because she has supported me all throughout my life, but also because even before I went to school, she has taught me moral values which I can apply at home and in school”

MISS BOHOL INTERNATIONAL 2012, May 15, 2012

Less than three weeks later, she was competing for Miss Bohol International 2012, the triennial pageant that serves as the highlight of the TBTK gathering in Bohol. 

She bagged the Best in Swimsuit, Best in Gown, Best in Interview, Darling of the Crowd and Miss Bohol Phone special awards before being crowned by the outgoing queen, the amazing Carleen Angelica Yap as the fifth Miss Bohol International titlist

Scintillating. Smoldering. Stunning in Swimwear

Mary Ebone is presently a Bachelor of Arts in Communication sophomore at the Miriam College in Quezon City

She finished grade school and secondary education at the Holy Spirit School, Tagbilaran City. 

BEAUTY IS IN THE BLOOD

SISTER ACT: Striking Contrast. Subtle Blend of Beauty. Brains & Breeding from Bohol

Photo Credits: Side Room Studio

Her elder sister Elaine is also a pageant titlist being Miss HNU Nursing 2010, Miss HNU Intramurals 2010, Miss Alay Lakad 2010 and Miss Dauis 2011.

They are a study in contrast. 

One is a morena beauty whose sun- kissed complexion shows off that unmistakable hint of feminine allure and irresistible Filipina charm. 

The other has alabaster skin that radiates and glows the classic mestiza beauty

Both girls have been blessed and endowed with the best of the Calimbayan and Cimafranca genes. 

Their mom Eva who happens to be my high school classmate was a certified beauty and headturner during our Janssen Heights days

Mary Ebone is second among five siblings to parents Engrs. Maria Eva and Cresente Cimafranca. 

She has younger siblings namely Eda, Efrem, and Ezabela.   

Aside from God, her family, her friends and supporters, Ebone would also like to thank her pageant mentors namely:

"My handler was EJ Relampagos; hair stylist :Ryan Sines; makeup artist: Joan Torrefranca; Adviser: Mil Calimbayan .

Thank you also to the organizers behind Miss Teen Tagbilaran 2012 and Miss Bohol International"

 Here's the Final Q & A during the Miss Bohol International 2012 Pageant

Swimwear Competition

Evening Gown Competition

Miss Bohol Sandugo Without Raul Gatal

As emcee for some of Bohol's most prestigious beauty competitions and high- profile events, I cannot avoid being the subject of intense scrutiny and sometimes, malicious talks that undermine my capability to host and question my professionalism and alleged "unholy alliance" with some candidates

I am reprinting here an interview with lifestyle columnist Leo Udtohan that got published in one of our community newspapers in Bohol  

MISS BOHOL SANDUGO WITHOUT RAUL PHILLIP GATAL

by Leo Udtohan

Is he or isn’t he? Talks are swirling that perennial pageant host Raul Phillip Gatal is not hosting this year’s edition of Miss Bohol Sandugo after allegations of favoritism and bias towards certain candidates surfaced after the Miss Tagbilaran 2010 pageant had been concluded.

Twenty years after he emceed in 1990 his first Miss Bohol Sandugo pageant won by Tiffany Yap of Jagna who incidentally was the winner also of the first major pageant he emceed, the 1989 Campus Girl Quest, Raul is still at it and on top of the game as pageant emcee but with the recent turn of events, he just might bid goodbye to a colorful and illustrious hosting career within the tumultuous yet glamorous world of pageantry. 

Photo above shows your blogger during his second hosting gig for Miss Earth when the international pageant went to Bohol for its pre- pageant in 2005. The first was in 2002

He has been Bohol’s top male emcee for 20 years and that bespeaks of his durability, longevity and endurance.

with Miss Philippines- Fire 2005 Shiela Alonso during the
2005 Miss Earth Preliminary Talent Contest held at the MetroCentre Hotel
Tagbilaran City, Bohol, October 13, 2005

Let us wait with bated breath if indeed Raul will still be hosting this year’s Miss Bohol Sandugo or not.

WILL YOU BE HOSTING THIS YEAR’S MISS BOHOL SANDUGO OR NOT?

I would rather not say anything. Let’s just adopt the wait and see attitude. Let’s find out on July 23 if I would still be the emcee or not. Let the organizers and the viewing public decide if I should still be up there with the girls or make a graceful exit already.

during the 2009 Miss Tagbilaran Pageant

ANYTHING TO SAY ABOUT THE CONTROVERSY?

I have one word to say about my detractors: Sourgrapes. I believe that they would be singing a different tune had their bets won. 

By the way, these things, meaning these intrigues, always surface year in and year out because we take our pageants in Bohol seriously. 

With regards to their allegations, do they have proof? What is their basis? They can actually be sued because they have besmirched my reputation already. 

In fact, I am hurting form all their innuendos. The sad thing is I don’t even know who I’m dealing with. I would like to address their hallucinations point by point:

1. I confirmed my hosting stint for the 2010 Miss Tqgbilaran pageant just two days before the pageant because I was supposed to go to Hong Kong on the pageant date for the Channel 21 Star World Hollywood VIP Access Co- Host Search Final Audition where I was one of the 50 Finalists. So how can I possibly have access with the candidates?

2. With regards to the allegation of bias and favoritism and leakage of questions, I admit that we (Carleen Yap, my co- host and I) briefed the girls on the possible questions that might be asked during the Casual Interview but to say that we spoonfed the girls with the answers is too much because we’re very spontaneous with what we ask. It would also be an insult to the girls because most of them were amazing, candid, and articulate

3. During the Final Interviews, it was my co- host who asked the final questions. I just announced the names of the finalists. 

4. I have nothing to gain but everything to lose if I do anything stupid. Why would I risk the reputation and credibility that I have built up and protected for the past 20 years?

5. So even if I favor a certain candidate, I just keep it to myself to maintain neutrality and professionalism. Let me remind everyone that the emcee cannot influence the judges with regards to whoever would be crowned as the queen. 

Who am I? Am I that powerful? I’m just the emcee who tries to liven up the pageant. 

To be honest , being a pageant host is a thankless job because we can’t please everyone and because recognition and appreciation for our efforts in coming up with a great show has always been elusive.

the controversial Q & A with Fer Mary Baliquig
during the 2010 Miss Tagbilaran Beauty Pageant

YOUR REACTION THAT THE SHOW WANTS A FRESH, YOUNG AND NEW HOST?

I’ve always believed that no one is indispensable and that includes me…I am always on the look out for younger, fresher and newer talents so that they can be given the same opportunities that I have been given..

HAVE YOU FOUND YOUR HEIR APPARENTS?

We actually have a lot of new talents who only need a little push and guidance. 

I always base my choices on potential and not on performances…

To mention a few, we have Mike Montanez, Ferome Jusgorge Almine and Kristofer Ferniz…

MOST MEMORABLE PAGEANTS HOSTED?

The 1989 Miss College of Arts & Sciences of the then- DWCT now Holy Name University (where I now teach English & Mass Communication subjects) for two reasons; One, it was my very FIRST pageant hosting job and two, because it was with one of my favorite co- hosts, Fiel Angeli Araoarao Gabin, Miss Tagbilaran 1987

The 2002 Miss Earth Pre- Pageant is also memorable because more than 60 international beauty delegates from around the world participated thus earning for me the distinction of being the first and only Boholano to have hosted an international beauty pageant. 

This was followed by the 2005 Miss Earth Talent Competition held again here in Bohol.

hosting the 2009 Miss Bohol Sandugo Pageant with PBB Housemate Cathy Remperas

NUMBER OF PAGEANTS HOSTED?

I have lost count already but I was able to host Miss Tagbilaran for ten times , the Miss Bohol Sandugo for eight times and the Miss Bohol International twice

during the 2010 Miss Tagbilaran Pageant with
Carlene Angelica P. Yap, 2009 Miss Bohol International

MOST UNFORGETTABLE BEAUTY QUEEN?

Who could ever forget Talie Tallo- Inting? The beauty queen- turned- lawyer would always be remembered for her charm, candor and confidence during the 1997 Miss Tagbilaran Q & A. 

When asked why she wanted to be a lawyer, she wittily replied” 

I want to be a lawyer because I love to argue with people especially if I know that I’ve already won the argument. Want to argue with me, Raul?” 

Talie was eventually crowned Miss Tagbilaran and Miss Bohol Sandugo that same year

2006 Miss Bohol International Final Results

From 14 lovely beauty delegates, the field was cut to the Final Five. 

It was a nail- biting and heart- stopping moment for as soon as a candidate was called as finalist and stepped forward, she had to pick at random the name of the judge who would ask her the final question.

Truly a test of one's grace under pressure and poise under stress, 

After all the finalists had been called and had answered the questions, the judges then cast their votes as they ranked the finalists based on how they answered their final questions and their overall performance during the entire pageant night.

Going into the final round, Candidate # 8 Cathy Remperas was leading the race. 

She topped all three beauty segments of the pageant by winning Best in National Costume, Best in Swimwear and Best in Evening Gown. 

She was also Miss Photogenic as well as Miss Talent 2nd RU.

After the farewell walk of Maya Galvan, the results were then announced:

4th RU was Judith Marie Chatto, the bubbly 15 year old who represented the Boholanos of Southern Illinois. 

3rd RU was Erica Joy Pastoriza Galeon, 16 yrs old from California, USA 

2nd RU Ivn Ryzl Sarno, 21 yrs old, a cum laude graduate of Silliman University and a registered nurse. 

And then there were two ladies left on centerstage

The final announcement was then made. 

Catherine Enojo Remperas was named 1st RU but she would later make it on national TV when she made it as housemate of ABS CBN's Pinoy Big Brother show 

The tall and svelte Loida Tiza Salve Lagonoy, 18 yrs old, reigning Miss University of Bohol was crowned the 2006 Miss Bohol International in a glittering ceremony at the Holy Name University. 

Pageant experience, stage presence and gift of gab won for Loida the title. So what was her winning answer to the deceptively simple question from Mayor Atienza? 

MAYOR ATIENZA: "If you get married in the future, how many children would you like to have?" 

MS. LAGONOY: 

"If I were to get married and have children of my own someday, I would like to have four children; two girls to whom I would bequeath the loving, caring & beautiful side of me 

I also want to have two boys who would embody the qualities of an ideal man such as masculinity, determination and courage. 

Together with my husband, we would raise our children to be disciplined and virtuous individuals under the trinity of love, faith and honesty" 

Miss Bohol International 2006 & Court with the Chocolate Hills Lady Jaycees

Photo credits: Mr. Irving Spivey & Mr. Roger Vicente

2006 Miss Bohol Intl: Loida Tiza Lagonoy

The blog's spotlight will now shift to another Boholana beauty queen. 

She is Loida Tiza Salve Lagonoy, a 5' 6" homegrown charmer from the municipality of Dimiao who was crowned Miss Bohol International in 2006 and declared Miss Talent.

As reigning Miss University of Bohol and fresh from winning the 2005 Miss Philippines- Air Region 7 title, she was the logical choice to represent the biggest university of the province in the triennial beauty & personality search that highlighted the TBTK in 2006 

PRE- PAGEANT SIDE BITS:

Fourteen young ladies of diverse backgrounds who came from all over the Philippines, the United States and Canada and who vied for the title shared one common denominator: they trace their roots to Bohol. 

The candidates first official public appearance was the 2006 Sandugo Intl Grand Parade where two of the girls fainted and collapsed while onboard their float.

Their first official function though was the Swimsuit Poolside Presentation & Press Conference held at the Panglao Island Nature Resort

your Boholano Blogger interviewing Loida for BCCTV Channel 6 during the presscon

Miss Talent Top Three: 03 Ms Bohol Intl Maya Galvan. Jordan Smodobila, Cathy Remperas & Loida Lagonoy

showcasing her bandurria virtuosity during the Talent Competition

Loida's official pageant portrait
Photo Credit: Chris Ramasola of the Original Ramasola Studio
Hair & Make Up: Betchie

                   PAGEANT HIGHLIGHTS

Gift of Gab, Grace Under Pressure & Engaging Personality during Personal Interviews  

Loida in her Puerto Rico costume during the Parade of Nations Opening Number

during the Filipiniana Gown Competition

Jerome Sala serenades the ladies

QUEEN OF THE NIGHT

Before the night ended, the tall and svelte Loida Tiza Salve Lagonoy, 18 yrs old, reigning Miss University of Bohol was crowned the 2006 Miss Bohol International in a glittering ceremony at the Holy Name University. Pageant experience, stage presence and gift of gab won for Loida the title. 

So what was her winning answer to the deceptively simple question from Mayor Atienza?

MAYOR ATIENZA: 

" If you get married in the future, how many children would you like to have?"

MS. LAGONOY: 

"If I were to get married and have children of my own someday, 

I would like to have four children; two girls to whom I would bequeath the loving, caring & beautiful side of me and I also want to have two boys who would embody the qualities of an ideal man such as masculinity, determination and courage. 

Together with my husband, we would raise our children to be disciplined and virtuous individuals under the trinity of love, faith and honesty"

 with the Pageant Core Group Chocolate Hills Lady Jaycees & Project Chair Madame Pureza Chatto

L-R: 3rd UP Erica Galeon, 1st RU Cathy Remperas, Loida Lagonoy, 2nd RU Ivn Sarno, 4th RU Judith Chatto

As Panel Interview judges during the 2010 SK Mr. & Miss Teen Bohol

Getting a bite from the Big Apple

Away from the public eye, Loida has adjusted well to life in the United States

At the Grauman's Chinese Theatre in Hollywood, California
where you can see the handprints of the world's biggest & brightest stars

Loida would always be one of the most unforgettable Boholana beauty queens

For the feature on the 2006 Miss Bohol International Quest, please click on the ff. link: 

http://raulgatal.blogspot.com/2012/10/looking-back-at-miss-bohol-intl-2006.html