Kim Ashly Alar bested seven other candidates as she was crowned Bb. Borongan 2023 at the Mayor Luis A. Capito Cultural Stage in the Borongan City plaza Friday night.
Alar, a resident of Brgy. Cabong, also bagged the Ms. Eloquence and Ms. HQ Mobile Bar minor awards.
In the final Q and A, she was asked a common question: “How will you tell a story to a seven-year-old child about the rich, cultural history of Borongan?”
The 21-year-old Alar answered: “I will tell the story of the rich and historic Borongan through the lens of a proud Boronganon. I am an emblem of a woman who is proud of our city and with my actions, I try to dignify Borongan in everywhere I go. With this, I will share Borongan with my heart and my soul, in every word that I share – from Tilang, to our chapels and churches, and everything that makes us, Padul-ong and many more. I will share Borongan through my loving eyes, my passionate words for the people not just here but in the whole world.”
Fiona Marishka Morte of Brgy. Pepelitan and Angel Lyka Galve of Brgy. Balud were picked as first and second runners-up, respectively. Morte was also awarded Best in Swimsuit, Best in Long Gown, Best in Festival Attire, and Ms. Budgetmate. Galve, meanwhile, secured Best in Talent, Ms. Congeniality, and Ms. Most Popular. Jasmin Darang of Brgy. Balud took home the Ms. Photogenic award.
Alar, Morte, Galve, Darang, Sofia Bianca Carvajal of Brgy. Tabunan, Nychole Angelie Alegre also of Brgy. Balud, Aizel Casarino of Brgy. Tabunan, and Kimberly Shane Anasarias of Brgy.Calingatngan competed across five categories – Padul-ong Festival Queen-themed costumes in the introductory walk, talent, swimsuit, preliminary Q&A, and evening gown – prior to being cut to the Top 3.
Alar suffered from a fall in the swimsuit segment and spoke about it in a brief interview on stage: “After an 8.5-inch fall, I am still feeling great and my soul is very much ignited to fight for the crown.”
During the first Q and A, Alar, a psychology student at the University of the Philippines Tacloban, was asked: “What sustainable livelihood opportunities would you recommend creating for the local community through tourism-related activities to promote their economic well-being in Borongan?”
“The careers that I would suggest to the people of Borongan are those that are inclined to the Dukwag Agrikultura. It would be involving planting fruits and vegetables which are local to our city and, of course, copy the progress of cities which are inclined to agricultural and tourism promotion like Baguio with their strawberry fields. I believe that this is also applicable here in Borongan through our coconuts and other plants which are local to us,” Alar answered.
Earlier, Bb. Borongan Turismo 2022 Jade Cyril Afable made her final walk before relinquishing her title to Alar.
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