The Cauayan and Victorias City bets were hailed as the muses of the media during the Lin-ay sang Negros press presentation and talent competition at the Ayala Malls Capitol Central in Bacolod City on Friday, April 12.
Zoe Clarisse Limson of Cauayan was named muse of the media in the municipal category while Kyla Rose Romarate of Victorias City in the city category, besting 27 other candidates in one of the most anticipated events of the Panaad sang Negros Festival.
The candidates were divided into the city and municipality categories and representatives from various media outlets in Negros Occidental fielded questions for them to answer.
When asked about what makes her town unique from other local government units and how she would invite local and foreign tourists to visit, Limson highlighted the thriving aquaculture of Cauayan.
She said that aside from their beaches comparable to Boracay and Siquijor, their people utilize the sea for livelihood not in the sense of compromising the environment but in the sense of giving back through sustainable tourism.
Romarate of Victorias highlighted her work with the city veterinary office (CVO) and her cause as animal advocate when she was asked how she envisioned herself in contributing to the beauty pageant community beyond the competition.
She explained that as a future veterinarian and working with the CVO of Victorias, she has seen the struggles of the people and the animals, adding that like people animals also have hardships and struggles and she wants to contribute to make Negros Occidental a safer space for animals.
Limson bested 15 other candidates in the municipal category while Romarate bested 12 other candidates in the city category.
The muses of the media received cash prizes of P5,000 each.
After the press presentation, each of the candidates competed in a talent competition where they showcased their festival’s history through dance, singing, spoken poetry, and acting.
The Lin-ay sang Negros festival costume presentation will be on April 14, Corporate Day and Preliminary Q&A on April 16, and the Coronation Night will be on April 19 at the Panaad Park and Stadium in Bacolod City.*