Nine ladies vie for Miss Guimaras 2023

The nine official candidates of Miss Guimaras 2023 were formally introduced to the media on Saturday, April 29. (John Noel E. Herrera)

By John Noel E. Herrera

Who will be crowned the next Miss Guimaras?

Nine stunning and empowered ladies from different backgrounds are vying for the Miss Guimaras title this year.

The contestants were formally introduced to the media on Saturday, April 29, 2023 where they presented their tourism advocacy video presentations.

Returning after a three-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Miss Guimaras 2023 will include “more depth into advocacy and community relevance of the candidates other than their beauty and talent.”

The official candidates are Anne Janet Mandreza, Rhomelyn G. Gange, Roxanne G. Gabaton, Darra Lorriane Sadsad, Kara Athena De Leon, Christine Joy Gabayoyo, Kiera Paderos, A Zhen Laurente Gayoso, and Rizza Joy S. Caro.

The Miss Guimaras 2023 organizers noted that this year’s pageant, which is one of the highlights of the Manggahan Festival, carries the new tagline “Mangoes and More” to position Guimaras as a tourist destination “of more than just its popular sweetest-mangoes-on-earth branding, but a lot more offerings to be enjoyed by its visitors.”

It added that the pageant will feature categories like Mango Couture, Festival Costume, Swimwear, Evening Gown, and Advocacy Interview, where the contestants will showcase not just their beauty and talent, but wit, compassion, and sensitivity to different critical issues in society.

The Pre-Pageant event will be held on May 13, 2023, while the Grand Coronation Night will be on May 19, 2023 in the open space of Guimaras Capitol Grounds.