Boholana crowned Miss Scuba Philippines 2014

CEBU, Philippines -  A 21-year-old Boholana is the country’s new darling of the oceans, after besting 11 other candidates for the Miss Scuba Philippines 2014 crown during the finals held last Friday at Pacific Cebu Resort in Barangay Suba-basbas, Lapu-Lapu City.

The win earned Amanda Arbitrario P150,000 and the right to represent the Philippines in Miss Scuba International 2014, set on November 28 in Sipadan, Mabul Island Resort, Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia.

As a title-holder of the marine-themed pageant, Arbitrario is expected to promote ocean conservation and scuba diving as a sport.

The Information Technology student first stood out in her casual wear by Island Souvenirs, and later on expertly shimmied across the stage in turquoise swimwear designed by Mary Ty. For her evening gown, the Panglao native was regal in a royal blue creation by Edwin Uy.

Asked during the Q&A segment why it was necessary to protect the Coral Triangle, Arbitrario confidently replied, “The Coral Triangle is the habitat of many  marine species, so without it, they will not live. So I believe we should stop the human destruction to our coral reefs. Let’s make a difference, let’s save our oceans.”

Arbitrario – whose previous pageant stints include being a finalist in Miss Philippines Earth 2014, and being named Miss Caloocan 2014 and Miss Panglao 2011 first runner-up – was also selected Best in Talent and Best in Swimsuit.

First runner-up was Reygin Brion of  Cebu City, who was also chosen Best in Evening Gown. A Miss Mandaue 2011 fourth runner-up, Brion took home P100,000. Another Cebuana, Princess Jayme of Mandaue City, finished second runner-up, and along with that, received P50,000.

Other special awardees were Diane Espinosa of Carcar City, Cebu for Miss Congeniality and Hea Lee of Metro Manila for Miss Photogenic.

Completing the 12 finalists were Rufaida Babudin (Palawan), Lynda Monteverde (Metro Manila), Hyra Desiree Betito (Surigao City), Keziah Maligayo (Cagayan de Oro), Mary Grace Castillo (Butuan City), Maria Eliza Zosa (Cebu City), and Cristal Jane Lacida (Talisay City, Cebu).

There is added pressure for Arbitrario to do well in the nearing Miss Scuba International finals, since last year’s representative – Christine Paula Love Bernasor of Ormoc City – placed first runner-up to Jaime Lee Faulkner of the United Kingdom.

The Malaysia-based beauty tilt began in 2011, founded by Robert Lo who  is a strong advocate for marine conservation. With its mission of “saving the ocean through beauty,” contestants are trained on how to preserve the beauty of the ocean and to become scuba divers.

Miss Scuba International also works to promote safe diving practices through worldwide professional training organizations. Title-holders are made to undergo an intensive campaign to educate people on how to safeguard the ocean. — VAB (FREEMAN)