by Dan Elizes
After a drawn-out selection process that did not compromise the stringent requirements, four hopefuls have qualified to vie for this year’s Miss Bicolandia-Australia and Penafrancia Charity Queen titles, under the auspices of Bicol Communities League, Inc. (Bicol Inc.).
One of the four official candidates is Robbie Urqueza, 16, of Blacktown. Others are Catherine Loyola, 22, of Eagle Vale, Claire Banayad and Rebecca Ferraro. They represent the provinces of Albay, Camarines Sur, Catanduanes and Sorsogon.
When launched last year, the beauty pageant generated a tidy sum that provided significant relief and aid to many of the hapless victims of the series of typhoons that wrought havoc to a large portion of the Bicol Region in 2007.
As last year’s winner, Aprille Lim of North Sydney was a guest of the City of Naga during the Penafrancia Fiesta celebrations. The trip was part of the winner’s prizes and responsibilities.
Miss Bicolandia-Australia 2008 will be chosen by a panel of judges in a colourful pageant to be held on 7 September at the Burwood RSL Club. This will be directed by veteran compere Rod Dingle and his crew.
Bicol Inc. is run by a 12-member council headed by Fiel-Fraulein Bandekar who hails from Sorsogon. Each of the six provinces comprising Bicol is represented by two members in the council.
This year’s beauty pageant is coordinated jointly by council members Vicki Isaac, who was last year’s chairperson and Zena Samar.
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