CEBU, Philippines - The Pintaflores beauty is back in the limelight as Kim S. Villacampa of San Carlos City bagged this year's crown in the 6th season of the Sinulog Festival Queen search the other night at the Cebu City Sports Center.
The pouring rain as well as a health problem didn't prevent Villacampa from snatching the coveted title, besting 11 beauties coming from the different parts of the country.
The 17-year-old freshman from the University of St. La Salle-Bacolod was having high fever during the competition, but she did not let the people, especially the judges, notice that by showing genuine smile and gracefully dancing the image of the Holy Child Jesus, Señor Sto. Niño.
"I was not really feeling well today because I had fever, but I just prayed to the Sto. Niño to be with me and to guide me so I can perform well on stage," said Villacampa in an interview after the competition.
Interestingly, Villacampa is the third Festival Queen from the Pintaflores contingent. The first was in 2005, who was the inaugural queen, and the other was in 2008.
"I'm very happy that I was able to bring back the pride and honor to our city because they really supported us all the way," she said.
Villacampa told The Freeman that she is a devotee of the Sr. Sto. Niño. One reason why she has the confidence is because of her great faith and that it's a great honor for her also to be bringing the name of her hometown.
Aside from the crown, Villacampa also harvested awards including Best in Runway, Ms. Samsung, Ms. PLDT, Best in Festival Costume, Best Solo Performer, while her contingent also took the Best in Musicality and Best in Group Production Presentation.
Joining Villacampa's court were Rotahmae Joy Verano of Abellana National School (1st runner-up), Sheila Paulino of Himag-ulaw Festival in Placer, Masbate (2nd runner-up), Lota Correos of Lanao del Norte (3rd runner-up) and Lourde Mae Santillana of Banilad Night High School (4th runner-up).
Marie Sharon Grace Angel of Tribu Sangguniang Kabataan took the Ms. Photogenic, Ms. Casino Femme and SM Northwing Cebu Cebu! Awards.