Ifugao beauty is Miss Baguio 2023
MISS BAGUIO 2023 WINNERS. Eighteen year-old student and youngest candidate Janah Rhyl Lumidao (center) from Loakan Proper barangay is Miss Baguio 2023, with Miss Baguio Turismo 2023 Justine Valencia (2nd from left) from G.E.F.A. Lower QM barangay; Miss Baguio Malikhain 2023 Norraine Azarcon (extreme right) from Upper General Luna barangay; Miss Baguio Kultura 2023 Eula Paltep (4th from left) from Camp 7 barangay; and Miss Baguio Kalikasan 2023 Sophia Cacho (left) from Guisad Surong barangay, during the Miss Baguio 2023 coronation night held on Saturday, August 26, 2023 at the Baguio Convention and Cultural Center. (FNS/Mario Oclaman)
BAGUIO CITY – Janah Rhyl B. Lumidao, a former Ifugao beauty queen and 18-year-old Senior High School graduate from the University of Baguio, has clinched the coveted Miss Baguio 2023 title.
Standing tall at 5’8”, Janah emerged as the triumphant figure among 18 contenders, leaving the audience in awe of her unexpected victory.
The crowning ceremony unfolded on the evening of August 26, 2023, at the prestigious Baguio Convention and Cultural Center.
Janah, representing Barangay Loakan Proper, carried with her the inspiring motto, “dream big, pray bigger.”
Her journey to the crown was marked by a trail of exceptional achievements, highlighted by her consistent honor student status and her past accolade as a Taekwondo champion.
She previously claimed the title of Miss Ifugao in 2021.
Despite being the youngest among the candidates, Janah faced initial challenges during the pageant’s first round “question and answer” segment for the top 10 qualifiers.
Nervousness stemming from her awareness of being the youngest contestant seemed to momentarily cloud her confidence.
However, Janah’s indomitable spirit shone through as she fought past her anxieties.
The climactic moment arrived when Janah’s name was announced as the first finalist among the top 5 contenders for the Miss Baguio 2023 title.
Overwhelmed by the unexpected honor, Janah’s tears of joy mirrored the audience’s sentiment of astonishment.
During the pivotal Q&A portion of the final round, Janah displayed remarkable poise and confidence.
Addressing the question, “If you were to translate Baguio’s essence into a single word, what word would that be and how would you infuse that word with meaning during your reign as Miss Baguio?”
Janah responded eloquently, “It would be solace, because…I feel really safe when I spend time alone, and the cold climate contributes to my serenity and the solace brought by the cold climate is one of my coping mechanisms, that is why I encourage everyone to come to Baguio to reset your mind and body, to have your serenity, and just be.”
Janah’s triumph extends beyond the title itself, as she is also set to embark on an all-expense paid trip to Vietnam.
She will also serve as the Ambassadress for esteemed establishments such as Giraffe Boutique Hotel, La Fayette Luxury Suites, and Avignon.
Following her victory, an emotional Janah’s mother, Leny, shared her pride in her daughter’s accomplishment.
“Noong nagpaalam sya, sabi ko, ‘sige, for experience lang kasi bata ka pa.’ Hindi ko talaga in-expect na sya ang mananalo,” Janah’s mom said.
(When she sought my approval, I reluctantly agreed, primarily emphasizing the value of gaining experience due to her youthful age. I said ‘alright, but only for the sake of experience because you’re still young.’ Little did I anticipate that she would not only succeed but emerge as the eventual winner)
Janah’s victory came with a cash prize of P40,000 for winning the Miss Baguio 2023 title, along with an additional P40,000 courtesy of Giraffe Boutique Hotel, a trophy, and gift certificates from the pageant sponsors.
Other noteworthy victors included Justine Tarah Marie Valencia, who was crowned Miss Baguio Turismo 2023; Sophia Franchesca Cacho, who secured the title of Miss Baguio Kalikasan 2023; Eula Arielle Paltep, the recipient of the Miss Baguio Kultura 2023 title; and Norainne Azarcon, who triumphed as Miss Baguio Malikhain 2023.
The panel of judges for Miss Baguio 2023 comprised esteemed personalities such as former Broadcast Journalist Ces Oreña-Drilon, Baguio Country Club’s general manager Anthony R. de Leon, Beauty Editor and former Top Model Joyce Oreña, Avignon CEO Christopher Cachuela, and Baguio’s First Lady Arlene Saneo-Magalong.
In the wake of Miss Baguio’s triumph at the national pageant, Baguio’s first lady Arlene Saneo-Magalong, who has served as the Miss Baguio Board Chair since 2021, shared her elation during an interview following the coronation.
“Nakakatuwa lang,” (It’s truly heartwarming) she began, reflecting on the achievements of Miss Baguio over the past two years.
“In that time frame, we’ve managed to secure a spot in the top 10 of the Miss Universe Philippines competition, and one of our representatives even claimed the title of Miss Charm Philippines,” Mrs. Magalong enthusiastically recounted.
Expressing her commitment to the cause, Mrs. Magalong revealed that she had reached out to the mayor, seeking his support for these talented young women.
She firmly believes that through their participation in these pageants, they can positively impact the lives of these young individuals.
“I know, most of the contestants belong to the lower bracket,” Mrs. Magalong empathetically acknowledged.
Drawing from her own experience as a beauty pageant participant in her earlier years, she emphasized that she had rarely encountered contestants from well-off families.
Instead, many of these women join these competitions in pursuit of their dreams and aspirations, aspiring to carve out their place in society.
With unwavering encouragement, she urged all women to consider participating in beauty pageants, emphasizing the importance of perseverance and self-belief.
“I am encouraging every woman to join beauty contests…with perseverance and believing in yourself, kaya nyo yan (you can achieve anything you set your mind to),” Mrs. Magalong passionately concluded. ### Merriam del Rosario //FNS
