The Hari ng NEGROS

CEBU, Philippines - The Hari ng Negros – Ginoong Canlaon brings together the bests of the island with the intention of showcasing the talent and creativity of the Negrense. The pageant is produced by the Tourism Council of Canlaon, together with the heirs of one of the country’s oldest surviving beauty queen, Helen Bennett-Schon, 98, crowned Carnival Queen in 1936 and later became President Elpidio Quirino’s Secretary of Foreign Affairs.

The air dancers of San Carlos City did exhilarating numbers that combined grace, balance and strength as they executed routines 100 meters off the ground. And then there were the Fire Dancers of La Castellana with their breathtaking routines. Imagine spurting five feet tall fire columns more than a dozen times, such a feat indeed.

The production was one of a kind, with candidates ramping costumes and clothes created by talented Negrense fashion and costume designers, as hypnotic rhythms roared from the instruments of the drumbeaters of Dumaguete City and La Carlota City. Not to be outdone was the exhilarating music created by DJ Rbx of Bacolod City. The show was directed by award-winning festival choreographer from Sibulan, Dean David Ang.

Since its inception in 2003, the Hari ng Negros has become a byword in the world of pageantry and beauty, attracting fans not just across the nation, but from all over the world. What makes this particular competition exceptional is the fact that it operates on a meager budget and the people working behind the stage are all volunteers, driven by the common goal of uniting the island of Negros in a night of spectacular show.

This year, Melrick Calijan of Bindoy was declared the Hari, while Mark Gargoles of La Libertad and Rhamric Simpron of San Carlos City as the first and second runners up, respectively. For more information on the pageant, log on to www.haringnegros.blogspot.com.