Cherry Jean Romano, a third year nursing student of Samar State University (SSU), was crowned Miss Manaragat 2009 during the Grand Coronation Night last August 21 at the City Plaza.

Romano, who is carrying the banner for Brgy. Maulong, managed to maintain the lead that she sustained during the Pre-Pageant Night to win the crown over first runner-up Shailenee Marie Aya-ay, representative of Sierra Islands and Ria Sevilla; who represented Brgy. 4 Poblacion.

Aside from the title, she was also adjudged as Miss Photogenic, Darling of the Press, Best in Talent along with the Miss Eloquence and Miss Ever Bilena awards which she already received during the pre-pageant night. Sierra Islands representative Shailenee bagged the special awards for Professionalism, Congeniality, Festival Costume and the Miss Coke Light.

Ria Sevilla, the muse of Brgy. 4 Poblacion, bagged most of the major awards including the Best in Swimsuit, Best in Casual Wear and Best in Evening Gown. Other awards given that night were the Texter’s Choice, which was given to Dianne Dacallos of Brgy 13. Poblacion and Miss Cali; which was given to Katrina Jean Uy.

The 2009 Miss Manaragat Beauty Pageant, which this year was centered around the theme “A Call to Revive Maqueda Bay” involved an ardous process that saw the ten official candidates being trimmed down to five finalists. Aside from the three emerging winners, the 5 finalists also included Andrea de Guzman of Brgy. 7 Poblacion and Sherlyn Catindoy of Brgy. Muñoz.

The two-week competition period tested the candidates’ mettle in terms of composure, charm and grace under fire with two rounds of photo sessions held at Pier 2 Terminal and Brgy. Cabugawan as well as a talent competition at Pre-Pageant Night.

Personality and intellect were also tested with at least 3 rounds of interviews including 2 phases of the preliminary interview and the press conference. Aside from these, the chosen finalists also had to go through the final interview portion. All these activities, combined with the daily rehearsals and a guest appearance at the Eclipse Disco Bar contributed to the hectic schedule during the competition period.

The Professionalism Award was also added this year to instill in the candidates a sense of responsibility, which they will need as the eventual Ambasadress for Culture and Environment. Constituting 10% of the candidates’ final and deciding score, the winner was determined through her behavior throughout the competition period especially during rehearsals and pageant related activities.

(Photo Credits: Mr. Nelson Petilla, MM09 Official Photographer)