2014 Diwa Ng Kalayaan crowned

MANILA, Philippines - Mikaela Alexa Rada, 16, of Bayonne, New Jersey, being crowned 2014 Diwa Ng Kalayaan by outgoing winner Kristine Liwag at the end of the four-hour pageant at the Doubletree by Hilton Hotel in Newark on May 3. The event was part of the various pre-Philippine Independence Day activities of the Philippine Independence Day Council, Inc.’s annual parade in New York City next month. Mikaela is the 23rd winner. Runners-up were Shina Angeles Lingat (Miss Fil-Am/Miss Photogenic), Kirsten Jan Dipa dela Cruz (Hiyas ng Pilipinas/Best in Long Gown), Illin Bangug (Bituin ng Luzon/Miss Charity), Ria Lalaine Rius (Bituin ng Visayas/Miss Congeniality) and Kristine Joy Poraque Beof (Bituin ng Mindanao). — FELIX MANUEL