Loads of applicants submitted their bio-data to the Museo ng Makati. Screening was held daily from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. for the two titles at stake – Miss Makati and Miss Tourism. The winners stood to receive prizes worth over a cool P200,000.
The contest was open to single female residents of Makati from 16 to 25 years of age. They should be at least high school graduates, have a pleasing personality and good moral character and could be role models to other young Filipinas.
Twelve finalists, dahlings, were chosen from over 200 hopefuls. Each received gifts from sponsors Newport Fashion Circle, Plaza Fair, Pascual Laboratories, Argentina Corned Beef, and naturellement, the contest organizer.
The coronation night, dahlings, was hosted by one of the best emcees around, Eddie Mercado and the articulate and attractive Chiqui Roa.
Without batting an eyelash, moi took one look at the super attractive Elizabeth Mae Cruz of Barangay Carmona, dahlings, and I knew she was my choice. The other judges also thought the same, so she bagged the title of Miss Makati 2001. One of the crowd favorites, Sharon Millan of Guadalupe Viejo won the Miss Tourism title.
The fun pageant was held at the Ballroom of the elegant Mandarin Oriental Hotel, the pageant’s official hotel. The winners, palanggas, were crowned by that energetic lady who cares, Dr. Elenita Binay and dynamic Makati Mayor Jejomar Binay, no less, assisted by members of the board of judges and Makati City officials.
Prior the coronation rites, the popular Ang4gettables and that fabulous comedienne Marissa Sanchez performed special numbers, leaving even the most jaded rolling on the floor from laughing, palanggas.
The judges were former Bb. Pilipinas-Universe and top model Sarah Jane Paez-Santiago; the Dean of Fashion, smashingly talented Ben Farrales, who was the chairperson; DHL’s hotshot president Rodolfo Feliciano; well-respected Sid Hildawa; and moi.
Miss Makati Elizabeth Mae Cruz is a Makati High School graduate. She is a La Consolacion College freshman taking up Computer Science.
Miss Tourism Sharon Millan is a UST AB Communication Arts graduate now studying Law also at UST.
For those who are still not in the know, palanggas, Miss Makati was launched in 1990 to discover talented ladies who would assist the City’s cultural and tourism programs. Miss Makati’s major role is to promote Makati as a destination to both domestic and foreign travelers. She also assists in organizing youth-oriented activities geared toward nation- building.
This annual project is held in cooperation with the Association of Barangay Captains of Makati headed by ABC president Rudy Sese. The ABC nominates candidates representing the Makati’s barangays.
This year’s theme focused on the rapid development of Makati and its role as the "Financial District" of the Philippines. The show zeroed in on the city’s mission which includes making Makati the center of information technology. Well, now you know.
The pageant, palanggas, was presented by Mandarin Oriental Hotel, Ayala Center, Coca-Cola and Air Philippines. Among the major donors were Newport Fashion Circle, Sony Philippines, Automatic Centre, Anggala Travel & Tours, Nissan Rent-A-Car, Pascual Laboratories, Argentina Corned Beef, Hard Rock Cafe, Shangri-La Hotel Makati, InterContinental Hotel, Peninsula Manila and Dusit Hotel Nikko.
Rever David Salon primped up the candidates with expert makeup and hairstyling, while Northroad’s Delby Bragais dressed up the ladies in corporate attire for a production number. Gener Gozum’s cocktail and evening gowns were also showcased during the coronation rites.
Yes, palanggas, it was a great night for all who were there, and an even greater night for Makati’s two new queens.
But no amount of rain could stop the park from holding its highly-anticipated annual fireworks competition. As soon as the skies were clear, the six finalists – Six J Fireworks, Victory Fireworks, Galaxie Fireworks, Rosca Fireworks, CHC Fireworks and JB Fireworks – got their colorful acts together and mesmerized the park visitors with a five-minute pyrotechnics display.
Like art works in the skies, palanggas, the fireworks lit up the cloudy skies of Sta. Rosa, Laguna that night. Who came out the victor? Why, Victory Fireworks, naturellement, which went home with a cool P100,000 for topping this year’s competition. Fabulous, dahlings!
The panel of judges included some of our town’s prominent personas: Energy Secretary Jose Isidro Camacho; Shangri-La Resorts and Hotels area manager Richard Riley; popular stylist James Cooper; noted couturier Renee Salud; TV personas Mari Kaimo, Boy Abunda and German Moreno; award-winning production designer Joey Luna; and CJ de Silva of the Promil "gifted child" commercial fame. All came either with their familles or pals for a magical experience at the park.
The park likewise marked its sixth birthday with a week-long celebration. This kicked off with the launch of the park’s newest water ride, "The Rio Grande Rapids" at the Spanish-themed Portabello Zone in a colorful Mexican fiesta. Jorge Concepcion, general manager of Hunt-Universal Robina Corp., the country’s sole distributor of Knotssberry Farm products, was the guest of honor. He broke the piñata which symbolizes prosperity and strength.
Celebrity familles were invited to emphasize the family theme. Enchanted Kingdom president and CEO Mario Mamon welcomed actress Gina Alajar who came with her teenage sons; screen legend Armando Goyena who brought along his businessman son Johnny Revilla, Johnny’s wife, singer Janet Basco, beautiful daughters Maritess, Tina, Rosario, Cecilia and Pilar and hordes of grandchildren. Major Noel Buan breezed in with his wife Cielo and their daughter Jenina with their friends.
The week-long celebration also featured Mr. Pure Energy Gary Valenciano in "Gary V. Goes Latin" which gave DECS Secretary Raul Roco and his famille a great time; a "Mayday, Mayhem" open-air dance party with the country’s top DJs; and a star-studded noontime treat from ABS-CBN’s Magandang Tanghali Bayan (MTB), telecast live. The finale, palanggas, featured the fireworks competition.
Yes, palanggas, it was definitely a week of enchanted evenings at the Enchanted Kingdom. Check the park out! I know I will.
That’s what our town was all about this week, palanggas. See you.