Two beautiful generals Marc Jerick Chan and Caroline Lim were crowned as the Mr and Ms Gen Santos City 2011 during a star-studded pageant during the Tuna Festival.
The pageant was hosted by Kapuso star Victor Aliwalas and Binibining Pilipinas World 2006 Anna Maris Igpit. Kapuso actress Claudine Barretto was a pageant judge along with local politicians, lifestyle writers, and young movers and shakers. Bloggers Fitz Villafuerte, Donna Congson, and yours truly were also judges.
The pageant opened with the candidates parade in awe-inspiring silver and white Festival Attires. The candidates and their dedicated handlers crafted show-stopping sea-inspired attires which set the mood for an exciting beauty and talent competition. Lakan ng Kalilangan 2012 Gevic Romero and Frances Gonzalez were awarded with the Best in Festival Attire titles.
The candidates sizzled in the swimsuit competition with their animal-inspired suits. Hunky Gian Cortes and sexy Ayana Grico bested the candidates as they were voted as Best in Swimsuit.
Dressed up in elegant creations by Fashion Designers Association of the Philippines President Johnny Abad, the candidates wowed the judges and the audience members even more. Looking every inch a debonair, Marc Jerick Chan was awarded with the Best in Evening Formal Wear trophy. Svelte Noegih Casenas who strutted gracefully in her gown was awarded with the Best in Evening Formal Wear among the ladies.
Showing off their various talents, the candidates impressed the judges and the crowd during the Pre-Pageant Presentation. Romeo Guevarra was judged as Best in Talent among the male candidates after he impressed the audience with a hip hop dance number. Meanwhile, Ayana Grico earned the title of Best in Talent by rendering a rock song number.
Proof that the candidates enjoyed the camaraderie of the competition, they voted from among each other the recipients of the Congeniality Award. Gevic Romero and Ayana Grico bagged the Congeniality Awards.
The candidates displayed toughness of mind and wit as they embarked on a Casual Interview with the pageant hosts. After the candidates have gone through the casual interview and the final top three male and female candidates were declared.
The top three finalists battled nerves as they entered their answers into iPad units and shared these answers with the crowd as they were judged for the final rankings.
Before the new Mr and Ms Gen San were crowned, Mr Gen San 2010 Jenel Labiana and Ms Gen San 2010 Ghen Mutia bade farewell to their crowns. The two represented the best of the Gen San youth as they finished their studies and went on to embark on professional careers even as they carried out their duties as Mr and Ms Gen San 2010.
At the end of the night, Marc Jerick Chan and Lakambini ng Kalilangan 2010 Caroline Lim with their beauty, wit, and charms, were crowned as Mr and Ms Gen San 2011.
Kudos to Orman Manansala of Project O! Consultants for another buzz-worthy pageant!
Images courtesy of Brian Dan Congson. Original article published on SunStar Davao on November 3, 2011 on page B2.