BACOLOD CITY — To become a better version of herself was what Danice Decolongon of Ilog town promised to fulfill in the next 25 years.
On Friday night, the 18-year-old senior high graduate of Liceo de La Salle was crowned Lin-ay sang Negros 2018, the first to win the title for the southern Negros municipality since the beauty search began in 1994.
Decolongon bested 26 other candidates during the coronation night witnessed by about 4,000 people at the Panaad Park and Stadium in Barangay Mansilingan in this city.
The new Lin-ay, who suceeded Lin-ay sang Negros Angelica Esther Portugaleza of Bago City, received a cash prize of PHP70,000, a trophy, and a sash.
Klaire Ann Libre of Toboso was named first runner-up with a cash prize of PHP50,000, while Yasmine Cabalfin of Hinigaran, who came in second runner-up, received PHP30,000.
The Top 3 winners also received special awards — Decolongon won as Best in Evening Gown; Cabalfin, Best in Swimwear; Cabalfin, Best in Festival Costume, People’s Choice, and Miss GMA Kapuso.
Others who made it to the Top 10 were Gheneza Marie Mueller of Kabankalan City, Lawrellie Cay Allen of Murcia, Jimarie Sheermaigne Lim of San Carlos City, Rose Ann Niego of San Enrique, Marion Angel de la Miñez of Bago City, Le’Ann Marie Gayatin of Cauayan, and Milca Romares of Himamaylan City.
Among the judges was Binibining Pilipinas 2018 first runner-up Vickie Marie Rushton, who was crowned Lin-ay sang Negros in 2009, representing Talisay City.
The pageant, one of the highlights of the 25th Panaad sa Negros Festival themed, “Panaad @25: The Promise Fulfilled”, held on April 14-22, was participated in by 27 candidates, the biggest batch in its history.
This year’s winner was the 24th to be crowned Lin-ay sang Negros since the pageant was not held in 1995.
Bacolod City has bagged the most number of titles, with five, winning in 2006, 2007, 2012, 2013, 2014. Sagay City and Hinobaan follow with three wins each. (PNA)
