It was a regal evening at the Bohol Wisdom Gymnasium last Friday, April 24 as fifteen of the most captiviating women from the different barangays of Tagbilaran City showcased their allure, elegance, and wit as they all vie for the most prestigious beauty title in Bohol’s capital city.

At the conclusion of the event, Mary Eda Cimafranca representing Barangay Poblacion Uno was hailed the fairest of them all.  Aside from the title Geraldine Topsnik enjoyed for one full year, Eda also bagged four of minor awards: Best in Production Number, Best in Swimsuit, Best in Casual Interview, and Best in Long Gown.

The top (from L-R: Dao, Dampas, Poblacion Uno, Poblacion Dos, and Mansasa) blowing kisses to their adoring crowd

A rare gathering of the brightest minds of Tagbilaran City high schools class of 2015

[Published at LifestyleBohol of The Bohol Chronicle, March 29, 2015 issue.
Written together with Mr. Raul Phillip Gatal]

This year's high school graduates will forever be in the books, being the last set of harvest before the full implementation of the K-12 program set this 2016.  But among them, there is this batch of young and promising adolescents who rose to the ranks of their school's graduating class and claimed the title batch Valedictorian.

They may be differentiated among their peers by the shining gold medal hanging on their necks.  However, at the end of the day, they are still like the rest, still growing into the individuals they aim to become and trying to make the big dreams they have turn into reality.  They are the ones who are enjoying the vibrancy of their youth while championing the demands of their academic life.

They are Tagbilaran City high school's golden harvest and let us get to know each one of them.

The inaugural winners of Miss Philippines Earth Bohol

Although Aileen Dango and Renee Sorraya Hassani represented the Municipalities of Loboc and Loay, respectively, back in 2011, this year will the first time that a woman will be wearing the Boholano sash in Miss Philippines Earth 2015.  And Gayle Suzette Yu, the 23-year-old licensed nurse from Calape will be fielded to the nationals after besting eight other candidates in the inaugural edition of Miss Philippines Bohol Search held at Island City Mall Activity Center last March 29.

Gayle in her swimsuit

Gayle in her evening gown

Aside from the top plum, Gayle was also the recipient of six of the eight special awards handed out during the pageant: Miss Javita Coffee, Miss Creamsilk Beautiful Hair, People’s Choice Award, Best in Swimsuit, Best in Interview, and Best in Ecotourism Video where she promoted her hometown of Calape as one of Bohol’s eco-agricultural destinations.