BAGUIO BEAUTIES -- The lovely 20 candidates vying for this year’s Miss Baguio crown were presented to the press ahead of their hectic schedule, as they will be busy with several community-oriented activities before the pageant on Sept. 29. -- Ofelia Empian

Candidates vying for the Miss Baguio 2018 title shared their views on issues about the city during press presentation on Sept. 6.

On the question on how they can help maintain Baguio’s Creative City status, one candidate said patronizing the works and products of local artists is one way of helping sustain the city’s status.

Majority said they would help educate the youth about how the city achieved its status as a creative city under the crafts and folk art category by helping them understand Baguio’s various cultures.

They added they would use social media to promote the products and works of the city’s creative talents that helped Baguio earn the recognition from the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (Unesco).

On the question on why the youth seemed to have been lukewarm in participating in governance, as shown by their dismal participation in the Sangguniang Kabataan elections, one candidate said the youth these days lack leaders who serve as good examples.

Majority said the youth are preoccupied with a lot of things brought about by the advancement of technology and that they lack awareness on their role as future leaders of the nation, aside from the fact that they are also preoccupied with their studies.

Others said the youth lack persuasion and some are not inspired to lead because of issues on corruption in government.

Organizer Sonny David Ticwala of Sonny T. Productions said the press conference where the 20 hopefuls answered questions on various issues from local media practitioners is the basis in the selection of the Darling of the Press, one of the special awards in the tilt.

This was only the candidates’ second public exposure after giving the public a glimpse of their beauty and poise during the Baguio Day program and parade last Sept. 1.

The Miss Baguio hopefuls are Chaserylle Know-Well Sison, Kaycee Dyn Mabitazan, Karyl Collene Tolentino, Chelsca Leigh Ham, CJ Olive Virador, Hesekiah Ezra Jatulan, Belle Feriese Belsa, Shienna Dianne Baldiviano, Juvire Glay Abanes, Stephanie Disu, Jollin Lyka Shane Dalanao, Kristine Billy Tabaday, Rish Gashiel Orille, Roi Neve Comanda, Chelsea Claro, Jonah Takayeng, Ivylou Borbon, Xiannia Laussane Trinidad, Danielle Niclose Agusin, and Trizha Ocampo.

Before the coronation night, the aspirants will undertake fashion pictorials and video shoot with photographer Eros Goze today, Sept. 9.

They will also be briefed on Baguio City’s history at the Baguio Tourism Office on Sept. 16.

They will showcase their talents during the talent competition on Sept. 16, 1 to 5 p.m. at the Baguio City Multipurpose Hall.

The pageant night will feature a fashion show before the show proper where the contenders will compete in the swimsuit, gown, and question and answer competitions.

As in the past years, the candidates will vie for the three major titles – Miss Baguio 2018, Miss Baguio Tourism, and Miss Baguio Liga ng mga Barangay.  Four runners-up will also be picked from the pool of beauties.

The other special awards will be the best in swimsuit, best in evening gown, best in casual wear, Miss Photogenic and Glamour Girl.

Prizes at stake are P50,000 for the Miss Baguio 2018; P30,000 for Ms. Tourism; and P20,000 for Ms. Liga ng mga Barangay.