As scheduled, Provincial Tourism Officer Taton Padayhag and his artistic director Felimon Blanco presented the pageant guidelines, awards and prizes to Governor Auring E. Cerilles and the League of Municipal Mayors headed by Dumalinao Mayor Ace William E. Cerilles last July 7 at the Bulwagan ng Kabataan, Provincial Government Center, Dao, this city.

Hearing the height requirement for a candidate to qualify for the pageant stirred many of the mayors. Some even asked if it could be lowered to at least 5’2” pointing out they rarely find 5’4” tall and beauteous ladies in their towns.

But Governor Cerilles explained to them that they may sponsor a candidate even not a resident in their municipality as long as she hails in any of the 26 municipalities or in Pagadian City to represent their town. One by one, the lady governor had to ask the commitment of each mayor to sponsor a candidate for the Search.

Cerilles pledged to give P500-T worth of project to local government units with 100% participation in all activities lined up for the week-long Megayon Festival.

The mayors are given until July 21 to scout for their candidates and submit their names and proof of requirements on the same day to the Provincial Tourism Office.

They were informed that their candidate must be a native born or a resident of the Zamboanga del Sur either she comes from the first or second district; stands at least 5’4”; at least 18 years old but not exceed 26 years old by September 14, 2008 which would be the pageant night; has not been married or in live-in status and does not have a child; must be of good moral character; should be articulate, witty and able to speak in English, Filipino and Visayan languages, most especially, she should have her parents’ or guardians’ approval to join the pageant.

For strict adherence of age requirement, candidates must present their NSO security paper. For those not born in the province but grew up in any of the municipalities of the province or Pagadian City are required to present their Elementary or High School diploma to prove their residency in the province.

As to their height measurement they must secure it from the Integrated Provincial Health Office and fill up a biodata form.

The 27 candidates will vie for the five major awards, such as the most coveted one - Miss Zamboanga del Sur 2008 with P25-T cash prize plus crown, trophy, sash, a cellular phone.

Secondly, Miss ZamboSur Tourism 2008 with prizes – P20 -T cash, crown, trophy, sash and a cellular phone.

Thirdly, Ms. ZamboSur Culture and Arts 2008. The winner shall receive P15-T cash, crown, trophy, sash and a cellular phone.

Miss ZamboSur First Princess is the fourth major prize and lastly is Miss ZamboSur Second Princess. Both shall receive P10-T and P5,000 cash, respectively with sash, trophy and a cellular phone.

The five lucky winners will be afforded with a night stay at Hotel Alindahaw and a special group tour to the different tourism destinations in the province.

The competition would include: Summer Wear, Talent and Long Gown while one is declared Best in Production Attire, Miss Friendship, Miss Photogenic with P2,000 cash prize each, trophy and sash.

Pageant schedules are already defined as follows: July 26- candidates orientation and briefing; Aug. 9-pictorials; Aug. 16-press conference and radio visit; Aug. 17-guesting at Pakisayud sa Alindahaw; Sept. 1-presentation/summer wear competition; Sept. 6-Long Gown competition; Sept. 7-Talent Night and Sept. 14 Final Pageant Night. (Remai S. Alejado/ppb-pgo)

Last update: 13-07-2008 00:50