The 18-year-old Taclobos was crowned by senatorial candidates Miguel Zubiri and Tessie Aquino Oreta who was booed by the crowd when she was acknowledged by Gov. Joseph Marañon earlier in the four-hour program.
Ms. Valladolid Rose Sheil Oñate was declared first runner-up while La Castellana City bet Lara Angelika bagged the second runner-up prize.
Taclobos bested Oñate and Vera by giving the final question in the contest an answer that made the audience roar and clinched her the title.
She said that being physically, mentally, and spiritually healthy is the most important trait to have inner beauty.
“One must be physically able, mentally prepared, and most importantly, spiritually dependent on God,” Taclobos said.
Moments later, the second year Medical Technology student at the University of Negros Occidental- Recoletos said that it felt “good,” to be this year’s Lin-ay sang Negros.
Taclobos, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Christopher Taclobos, also received a scepter,a bouquet, P100,000 cash, and trophies from the Panaad sa Negros and President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.
She also took home the Miss Magnolia, Miss Sunsilk, and Miss Negros Navigation awards.
Oñate, who had earlier won in the pageant’s talent show, received a sash and P60,000 cash and was also declared Best in Swimsuit, Best in Evening Gown, Miss Superferry, and Ms. Cali.
Vera, on the other hand, was awarded with a sash and P30,000 cash aside from the Globe Texter’s Choice and Miss PNOC-EDC prizes.
Other special awardees were San Carlos bet Kareen Kaye Gustilo- Best in Festival Costume and Miss Ponds; Margarette Bantiling of Sagay- Miss Photogenic; Hinigaran bet Aprille Paz Felicisimo- Miss Congeniality; and Curie Evangelista of Hinobaan- Miss Close-up.
Taclobos in her wining moments
April 21, 2007
The Visayan Daily Star
by Patrick Pangilinan