I can’t remember the first time I watched a Miss Cagayan de Oro pageant live.
I do remember that I know several beautiful women who wore the crown back in the 80s and 90s. I watched some of the pageants back in the 80s, but the only one that I can vividly remember is the Miss CDO coronation night where Ms. Karen Lluch was proclaimed Cagayan de Oro’s most beautiful. At that time, the pageant was held at the Don Mariano Marcos Polytechnic State College (USTP) Gym. I watched the pageant with my cousins and we rooted for Karen and Ms. Donabelle Willkom (-Shepherd). Everything was different back then. But I do remember that the production numbers were well-rehearsed and choreographed, just like the way they are nowadays. And I recall several Manila artists coming to the city as guests during the coronation night.
What was absent at that time were the pre-pageant events. There was no press and public presentation and the candidates showcased their talents onstage. So you can just imagine how long each pageant lasted! But they were fun and memorable.
I am recalling all these now because the Miss Cagayan de Oro season is upon us once again. In fact, the first pre-pageant event was held last Saturday, July 8 (Press and Public Presentation).
Presented by the City Government of Cagayan de Oro alongside the City Fiesta Committee, the City Tourism Council, Rotary CDO East Urban, Mags, Limketkai Center, and Globe, this year’s Miss Cagayan de Oro has five (5) pre-coronation night events:
- Press and Public Presentation – held last July 8 at Limketkai Mall
- Talent Competition – July 15, 4pm at SM CDO Uptown
- Swimsuit Competition – July 29 (by invitation)
- Evening Gown Competition – August 12, 6pm at SM CDO Downtown Premier
- Mega Fashion Show – August 18, 6pm at Centrio Mall
If you weren’t able to watch the Press and Public Presentation last weekend, you can catch the candidates in any of the above mentioned pre-pageant events. These are open to the public unless indicated otherwise.
The coronation night will be on August 26 at the Atrium of Limketkai Center.
The Candidates
This year, a total of 12 ladies will be vying for the Miss Cagayan de Oro crown:
- Charissa Kay Panes (Carmen)
- Suzzane Martil (Tablon)
- Alexa Patriana (Gusa)
- Shekinah Julia Salcedo (Balulang)
- Marianne Grace Serenuela (Bulua)
- Glysa Jay Basay (Kauswagan)
- Katrina Laurice Acaylar (Balulang)
- Eliza Margaret Bacareza (Iponan)
- Mary Kate Go (Gusa)
- Jaymee Hana Padilla (Balulang)
- Shara Philline Plenos (Puntod)
- Letecia Lamour Velez (Bulua)
To view their official photos, please visit the Miss Cagayan de Oro Facebook page by clicking THIS.
For the candidates’ Press and Public Presentation photos, CLICK HERE.
A lot of things may have changed since the 1990s, but one thing remains true about the Miss Cagayan de Oro pageant: it is a showcase not only of the beauty of Kagay-anons but also of the overflowing talents the city has. The organizers, the candidates and their mentors, the designers, the makeup artists and stylists, the photographers, the hosts, and the performers. They each contribute to the success of the pageant by sharing their time and talents – and a part of themselves.
Let’s celebrate Cagayan de Oro and its beautiful people by supporting all the candidates for this year’s Miss Cagayan de Oro pageant. See you at the Limketkai Atrium on August 26!
(For official updates, follow the Miss Cagayan de Oro Facebook page HERE.)