Miss Valencia Is Ubi Festival Queen 2023

Mary Ingrid P. Orevillo, 16 years old, and representing the LGU and ubi farmers of Valencia was crowned the 2023 Ubi Festival Queen yesterday evening at the Bohol Cultural Center. 

Ms. Orevillo who was also adjudged as Best in Production Number and Best in Interview will dedicate her year of reign in promoting ubi farming to the younger generation of Boholanos.

Named 1^st Runner Up was Ehzcekel Ecat, 19, of the LGU of Carmen.  Ms. Precious Mae Ochavillo, 17, of the LGU of Garcia- Hernandez was 2^nd Runner Up and selected as Best in Thematic Costume.

1st RU Ms. Carmen, Ubi Queen Ms. Valencia 2nd RU Ms. Garcia- Hernandez

The other candidates & their respective LGUs are Ma. Trisha Rempillo of Ubay, Recil Gapol of Corella, Aaren Pearl Arabejo of Sikatuna, Mary Joy Artiaga of San Miguel and Julie Bautista of Cortes.

Members of the panel of judges included BCCTV General Manager Leizl Lim Gregorio, popular social media influencer & vlogger Paolo Rigotti and Dean of the College of Hospitality Management from University of Bohol Jane Doren A. Bungabong.

The 2023 Ubi Festival Queen Search, one of the highlights of the three- day Ubi Festival Celebration, is a platform for young Boholanas to promote the ubi as a versatile and sustainable crop, fostering appreciation for its flavors and showcasing its importance in the province’s cultural fabric. 

The glamorous highlight of the ubi festival was made possible by The Bohol Provincial Government led by Gov. Aris Aumentado & Vice- Gov. Victor Dionisio Balite with the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist headed by Ms. Liza M. Quirog,MNSA as main coordinating group and Fara Nazareno as Ubi Festival Queen 2023 Committee Chair.

Meet the First Married Miss Universe Contestant

The Miss Universe Organization has made the pageant more inclusive by allowing married women and mothers to join the world's most prestigious beauty competition.

The first married contestant 

in Miss Universe history

But did you know that a married contestant has competed alreadu and it happened during the first Miss Universe Pageant in 1952. She was India's delegate by the name of Indrani Rahman, 22, married, and the mother of a five-year old daughter. 

Her participation caused an uproar not only because she was married but also because she was Moslem and was accompanied by her husband to the contest. Did they share the same room during the entirety of the pageant duration? 

Apparently, the organizers couldnt turn her away as rules weren't firmly in place that time. And it didnt hurt also that she was half American care of her mom. 

Although she didn't place, she went on to carve a successful career as  classical dancer of Bharata Natyam, Kuchipudi, Kathakali and Odissi, which she popularised in the west, and later settled in New York in 1976. 

Later, she joined her mother Ragini Devi's company. She popularised the Indian classical dance form, Odissi during her international tours. 

Indrani had received the Padma Shri in 1969 and the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award in the performing arts and also the Taraknath Das Award.

The trailblazing woman is one prime example of how the Miss Universe Pageant becomes a stepping stone to careers outside pageantry.