Bobon lass wins crown as Ms. N. Samar 2012

CATARMAN, N.Samar – A pretty lass from the small town of Bobon stood out to bring home the crown as the new “Miss Northern Samar” in the pageant night held last Friday at the University of Eastern Philippines’ RAB Amphitheater.

Seventeen-year-old Maria Gail Debora Tobes, with her 5 feet 7 inches 31-26-37″ figure, was the youngest and one of the less experienced in beauty contests among the 10 candidates who joined this year’s Miss Northern Samar pageant.

Yet “Gelay,” as she is called by friends did not falter and confidently competed to win the title. During the question and answer part, she got the loudest cheer from the crowd as she answered the common question given by the panel of judges,”What do you love about Northern Samar?.”

“I love Northern Samar not only for its beauty but also because of its people. Being a Nortehanon is what I am most proud of… because despite our differences (be it) political, social or religious still we stand together (as one people); if we don’t stand together for our province then who else will?” was Miss Tobes’ short but spontaneous answer.

Gail comes from a prominent family in Bobon (she is the second child of Nito and Sol Tobes) and wants to become a doctor. This is the second time in a row that the entry from Bobon won the pageant. Last year, Bobon’s candidate Miss Maria Cristina Carpina Coloma was crowned as Miss Northern Samar 2011.

Like her predecessor, Miss Tobes also garnered most of the major awards this year as the Miss Photogenic, Best in Philippine Terno, Best in Swimsuit and Best in Long Gown. For winning the title, she received P50,000 cash prize, and P5,000 for each of her awards.

Meanwhile, the candidate from another small town of Rosario, half Filipina-half Bahraini Miss Shaimaa Al Najjar, won P30,000 cash as the First Runner Up. This 22-year-old 5’5″ tall lady who wants to be a professional model was also chosen as Miss Natasha.

Second Runner Up was 20-year-old Miss Irene Grace F. Tan, the candidate from Victoria. She received P20,000 and also won the Miss Talent award.

Miss Catarman Vanessa Love Lacsamana and Miss Allen Jane Rose Mensorado made it the top five finalists. Other winners of special awards were Miss Laoang Jamaine Delos Reyes (Miss Friendship) and Miss Catubig Maria Salve Regina Tenedero (Darling of the Press.)

The panel of judges for this year’s Miss Northern Samar 2012 pageant include Indonesian Ambassador to the Philippines His Excellency Yohanes Kristiarto Soeryo Legowo; NIA Regional Director Romeo Quiza; Police Senior Superintendent Noel Baraceros; Mr. Benedict Perez of SMART/PLDT; Army Deputy Brigade Commander Colonel Mario Lacurom of the 803rd Brigade; and Miss Chelsea Ainsworth and Kendra Samson from the Jilliard Conservatory School of New York City.

Mutya ng Pilipinas 2002 Kristine Caballero and model-host Steve Patrick hosted the pageant.

The Search for Miss Northern Samar 2012 was one of the highlights of the two-week celebrations for the 47th Founding Anniversary of the province in June 19, which is anchored on the theme: “I love Northern Samar”. (RACHEL ARNAIZ)

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