Sacred Ki Girl Gets Taekwondo Gold By: James U. Sy Jr.

Zennah Marie Mendoza-Tolero, 11, Grade 5 pupil at the Mambulac Elementary School, took home a silver medal in the Taekwondo competition of the 2009 Palarong Panlalawigan (Provincial Meet) last December 15, 2009 at the Panaad Stadium and Recreational Park, Brgy. Mansilingan, Bacolod City. She fought in the Elementary Girls Category 1.

Her private coach is Master Ricardo P. Filipinas, Founder of the Sacred Ki Art of Filipino Foot Fighting (SKAFF), with whom she has been studying for five years now. Master Ricardo P. Filipinas is a member of the Council of Elders of the Intercontinental Federation of Filipino Martial Arts Schools (IFFMAS) under the leadership of its President Grandmaster Elmer V. Montoyo.

5 members of the Sacred Ki Art of Filipino Foot Fighting (SKAFF) won 3 gold and 2 silver medals during last year’s District Meet Taekwondo Competition at the Andres Bonifcaio Elementary School (ABES) II, Bacolod City. Tolero was one of those who were crowned champion. Tolero also won a gold medal in the Taekwondo event of the District III Area Meet held last December 1, 2009 in Murcia, Negros Occidental, which gave her a slot in the Palarong Panlalawigan.

Tolero is the daughter of Remegio and Zeny M. Tolero.

Master Filipinas conducts classes every TTh 7:00-9;00 P.M., Saturdays 9:00-11:00 A.M., and Sundays 9:00-11:00 A.M. and 1:00-3:00 P.M. at the DMA Conservatory, 2nd Floor Golden Table Restaurant, Lacson St., Bacolod City.

TKD Beauties Get SEAG Poomse Gold By: James U. Sy Jr.

Taekwondo jins Camille Alarilla, Janice Lagman, and Rani Ann Ortega gave the Philippines its first gold medal during the opening day of the 25th Southeast Asian (SEA) Games Vientiane, Laos.

The Filipinas earned 16.97 points to win the poomsae title in the taekwondo event. Their Thai counterparts settled for the silver medal. Cousins Alarilla, Lagman, and Ortega had also won in the World Poomsae Championship two weeks ago in Cairo, Egypt, where 56 countries participated.

Poomsae, also known as kata in Japanese and kuern in Chinese, is a choreographed form which combines various footwork, blocks, punches, and kicks into one organized set that conveys the art’s power, speed, grace, and balance.

The Philippine Men’s Poomsae Team composed of Anthony Matias, Brian Sabido and Jean Sabido settled for bronze (8.44, 8.30) with Vietnam (8.73, 8.2) and Laos (8.50, 8.30) taking the gold and silver respectively.

Team Philippines Brings Home SEAG Medals in Combat Sports By: James U. Sy Jr.

The Filipinos are well known in excelling in combat sports. The likes of Pancho Villa, Manny Pacquiao, Monsour del Rosario, John Baylon, Rene Catalan, etc. is a testament to this fact. In the recent 25th Southeast Asian (SEA) Games held in Vientiane, Laos, athletes from combat sports have contributed significantly to the overall medal haul of the country.

BOXING. Bouts held December 14-17, 2009. The Philippine Boxing Team brought home a 5-1-3 medal haul. Gold: Annie Albania (flyweight), Alice Apparri (light flyweight), Gabuco Josie (pinweight), Charley Suarez (featherweight) via KO, and Bill Vicera (pinweight). Silver: Harry Tañamor (light flyweight). Bronze: Joegin Landon (light welterweight), Mitchel Martinez (featherweight), and Rey Saludar (flyweight). Martinez lost a 4-7 decision to Thai Peamwilai Laopeam.

JUDO. Bouts held December 15-17, 2009. The Philippine Taekwondo Team brought home a 2-1-5 medal haul. Gold: John Baylon (Over 73 Kg. up to 81 Kg.) and Nancy Quillotes (Over 40 Kg. up to 45 Kg.). Silver: Ruth Dugaduga (Over 70 Kg. up to 78 Kg.). Bronze: Helen Dawa (Over 45 Kg. up to 48 Kg.), Nancy Quillotes and Noemie Candari (Women’s Jyu No Kata), Gilbert Ramirez (Over 66 Kg. up to 73 Kg.), Rick Senales (Over 81 Kg. up to 90 Kg.), and Karen Ann Solomon (Over 63 Kg. up to 70 Kg.).

KARATE-DO. Bouts held December 10-12, 2009. The Philippine Taekwondo Team brought home a 1-2-3 medal haul. Gold: Gold: Marna Pabillore (Kumite 55 Kg. below). Silver: Rolando Lagman Jr. (Kumite 75 Kg. below) and Lutche Metante (Kumite 68 Kg. above). Bronze: Noel Espinosa (Men’s Individual Kata), Ace Eso (Kumite 55 Kg. below), and Men’s Kumite Team.

MUAY THAI. Bouts held December 10-15, 2009. The Philippine Muay Team brought home a 1-3-5 medal haul, beating their 0-5-5 performance in the 24th SEA Games (2007, Thailand). All members of the Philippine Muay Team have each won a medal. Gold: Zaidi Laruan (lightweight). Silver: Roland Claro (light flyweight), Romnick Pabalate of Mabinay, Oriental Negros (flyweight), and Jonathan Polosan (light welterweight). Bronze: Harold Gregorio (welterweight), May Libao (pinweight), Preciosa Ocaya (flyweight), and Ana Marie Rey (bantamweight), and Maricel Subang (light flyweight).

PENCAK SILAT. Bouts held December 12, 17, 2009. The Philippine Taekwondo Team brought home a 0-1-1 medal haul. Silver: Nurhabir Sansis Is (Class I 85 Kg.-90 Kg.). Bronze: Marniel Dimla (Class F 70 Kg.-75 Kg.).

TAEKWONDO. Bouts held December 9-11, 2009. The Philippine Taekwondo Team brought home a 4-4-4 medal haul. Gold: Francesca Alarilla, Carla Lagman, and Rani Ann Ortega (Women’s Poomsae Team), Alexander Briones (heavyweight), Tshomlee Go (featherweight), and M. Rivero (welterweight). Silver: Eunice Alora (bantamweight), Marlon Avenido (welterweight), Kirstie Alora (heavyweight), and John Paul Lizardo (finweight). Bronze: Jeffrey Figueroa (bantamweight), Jyra Lizardo (flyweight), Anthony Matias, Brian Sabido, and Jean Sabido (Men’s Poomsae Team), and Rani Ann Ortega and Jean Sabido (Poomsae Mixed Pair).

WRESTLING. Bouts held December 15-17, 2009. The Philippine Taekwondo Team brought home a 3-2-4 medal haul. Gold: Jimmy Angana (Over 60 Kg. up to 66 Kg.), Margarito Angana (55 Kg. Greco-Roman), and Jason Balabal (Over 74 Kg. up to 84 Kg.). Silver: Michael Baletin (74 Kg. Greco-Roman) and Paulo Delos Santos (50 Kg.). Bronze: Jerry Angana (Over 50 Kg. up to 55 Kg.), Maribel Jambora (45 Kg.), Roque Mana-ay (Over 55 Kg. up to 60 Kg.), and Melchor Tumasis (60 Kg. Greco-Roman).

WUSHU. Bouts held December 15-17, 2009. The Philippine Taekwondo Team brought home a 2-2-4 medal haul. Gold: Mark Eddiva (Sanshou 65 Kg.) and Mariane Mariano (Sanshou 60 Kg.). Silver: Benjie Rivera (Sanshou 56 Kg.) and Mary Jane Estimar (Sanshou 52 Kg.). Bronze: Jessie Aligaga (Sanshou 48 Kg.), Denver Labrador (Sanshou 60 Kg.), Daniel Parantac (Men’s Tai Ji Quan), and Rhea May Rifani (Sanshou 48 Kg.).

The 11 countries that saw action during the games were Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Timor Leste, and Vietnam.

Mabinay’s Pabalate Gets SEAG Muay Silver By: James U. Sy Jr.

Romnick Pabalate of Mabinay, Oriental Negros took home a silver medal in the flyweight division of the Muay Thai event of the 25th Southeast Asian (SEA) Games held in December 2009 in Vientiane, Laos,

Pabalate knocked down his Burmese opponent in less than two minutes of the first round in his semi-final bout. He, however, bowed to Thongbang Seuaphom of Laos in the championship match.

The Philippine Muay Team that competed in the 25th Southeast Asian (SEA) Games took home a 1-3-5 medal haul, beating their 0-5-5 performance in the 24th SEA Games in 2007 in Thailand.

Zaidi Laruan, 5’7”, defeated Vixay Bounthavy of Laos in their bout at the Beung Kha Ngong Sports Centre to claim the gold in the lightweight division. He was the lone gold medalist of the Philippine Muay Team.

Jonathan Suello Polosan lost the championship crown to Weerapon Kwangkhwang of Thailand while Roland Claro light flyweight gave way to Soukanh of Lao in the finals. 23rd SEA Games and 2008 World Muay Thai champion Roland Claro of Zamboanga City also settled for the silver in the light flyweight division.

Those wjho got bronze for the Philippines were Harold Gregorio (welterweight), May Libao (pinweight), Preciosa Ocaya (flyweight), and Ana Marie Rey (bantamweight), and Maricel Subang (light flyweight).

Pabalate, in his international debut, outpointed Jakkapol Khamollakhorn of Thailand to be crowned champion of the 48 Kg. division during the Asian Muay Thai Championship in India. He was a bronze medalist in the 24th Southeast Asian (SEA) Games in 2007 in Thailand and in the World Muay Championships in 2008 in South Korea.

Pabalate had defeated 2008 world Muay champion Roland Claro of Zamboanga City twice in 2009, during the Battle of the Best in both cases, knocking him out in the first and outpointing him in their next meeting.

Pabalate, a native of the Municipality of Mabinay in Oriental Negros, was trained by Kru Ike Xavier S. Villaflores at the Dumaguete Muay Association before he was given a break to be a member of the Philippine Muay Thai Team. He won the lone gold for Dumaguete City at the Visayas Amateur Muay Thai Championships organized by the Muay Association of the Philippines (MAP) in cooperation with the Larena LGU on April 28-29, 2005 in Larena, Siquijor.

Bulig sa Kubos Season 14 A Success By: James U. Sy Jr.

The 34th Season of the Bulig sa Kubos (Assistance to the Needy) was successfully held by the Black Falcon Martial Arts Association (BFMAA)-Main under Chief Instructor/Master Joery C. Amante, 4th Degree Black Belt, in partnership with the Conceptual Martial Arts Society (CMAS), Inc. of Founders/Masters James U. Sy Jr. and Narciso “Hansy” L. Alojado, both 4th Degree Black Belts, with the support of various sponsors and the sanction of the Intercontinental Federation of Filipino Martial Arts Schools (IFFMAS) under its President Grandmaster Elmer V. Montoyo, 8th Degree Red/Black Belt, last December 26, 2009, Saturday, at the Amante Residence, Prk. Bulak, Brgy. Mandalagan, Bacolod City.

Prk. Bulak President (2006-2008) Joery C. Amante, together with his wife Analyn Amante, organized the event and solicited for the pamaskua to the most poverty stricken members of their community. Zaira Calderon helped out in the proceedings. 70 representatives from indigent families of Prk. Bulak, Canaan, and Sambag received Christmas packs, which included rice, noodles, and four canned goods per pack.

Sy, one of the event’s major sponsors, presented games and pa-agaw of candies and coins for the enjoyment of about 80 attendees. Five wrapped gifts from Land Transportation Undersecretary Ricardo “Cano” Tan were raffled as door prizes.

The recipients were Lucricia Alegre, Ging-Ging Amante, Teresita Amante, Analyn, Erika Ambay, Gloria Añerdes, Marjorie Añerdes, Gilda Arciaga, Warlita Arnado, Arminda Asidoy, Georgica Baluyot, Dory Benejol, Maribel Benejol, Jenebel Blanco, Edith Bordo, Nining Bornales, Johnny Bosico, Purita Boyrom, Euli Cabalida, Mariafe Cabalida, Norma Cabalida, Pita Calderon, Margarita Casuyon, Jacqueline Conserman, Lanny Dajao, Jelly Embahador, Regan Embahador, Erlita Enaposa, Enema, Neneng Fajardo, Josephine Galang, Rex Galang, Christina Gatanez, Lourdes Guanzon, Mary Grace Higanto, Edwin Jamili, June Jimenez, Nanny Kusino, Socorro Lapaz, Carmel Lentija, Noeme Luberisco, Lisa Lumantad, Rose Maguate, Erra Mahinay, Marcelina Manapsal, Bebe Manlapao, Rosemarie Moises, Jodele Napire, Lanny Oñates, Liberty Oñates, Zenaida Oñates, Adelina Otero, Bebot Padasay, Bobong Padasay, Raquel Padios, Allan Padillo, Carmelita Pehid, Ralyn Pehid, Nonoy Remedios, Riza Salipod, Rading Santillan, Dahilya Sevill;a, Neneng Sevilla, Gloria Sy, Resureccion Toledo, Kim Torrecampo, Nempha Torrecampo, Marites Urbano, Doring Villan, and Rosemarie Zulueta.

The major sponsors were James U. Sy Jr. of Asian Alcohol Corporation, Mary Salve “Jing-Jing” L. Pe of RCBC-Iloilo, Cristita “Tata” P. Lim of BDO-Iloilo, Narciso “Hansy” L. Alojado of the Center for La Sallian Ministries (CELAM), University of St. La Salle (USLS), and Land Transportation Undersecretary Ricardo “Cano” Tan. Other sponsors were Tess Golez, Emma Kaw, and Dennis Tan of University of St. La Salle (USLS), former Brgy. Capt. Baby Parreño of Mandalagan, Glen Graso of Philippine National Police (PNP)-Bacolod, Armando Guancia of Prk. Bulak, and Wushu Sanshou medalists Julius Dohinog and Joselito Bianan of host Black Falcon Martial Arts Association (BFMAA)-Main.

Gilda Arciaga, who led the invocation before the start of the gift giving, spoke in behalf of the recipients during the response portion of the activity, “We are very thankful for all the sponsors for sharing with us their blessings this season of God’s birth. We wish them good health and for God to always bless them.“

Bulig sa Kubos (Assistance to the Needy) was started by Amante in 2002 to help the more poverty stricken members of their community. The assistance is given out twice a year, at the opening of classes and during Christmas. The project sponsors from USLS have supported the civic activity since its inception while CMAS, Inc. came in starting the 8th season of the project.

Black Falcon X’mas Party Held By: James U. Sy Jr.

The Black Falcon Martial Arts Association (BFMAA)-Main under Chief Instructor Joery C. Amante, 4th Degree Black Belt, successfully held its Christmas Party last December 26, 2009, Saturday, at the Amante Residence, Prk. Bulak, Brgy. Mandalagan, Bacolod City.

The highlight of the party was the 2009 Macho Gay Kickboxer, which was participated in by Amante’s tournament fighters. Crowned 2009 Macho Gay was Rosendo “Third” Trayco III. Other contestants were 2008 titlist Rommel Regalado Jr., 2008 Best in Casual Wear Jun-Jun Anito, Roberto Didal, and JR Simpron. In the dance Contest, the Juniors Team won the title. Judge was Daryl Pastor.

The celebration also marked the 40th Year Anniversary of the association, having been founded by Master Ernesto Joseph in 1969, and the group’s 10th year under the chief instructorship of Joery C. Amante.

It was under Amante’s leadership whent BFMAA started to compete in tournaments other than Karate or Kickboxing. His students had seen action Filipino Tang Soo Do, Mixed Martial Arts (MMA), Pencak Silat, Western Boxing, and Wushu Sanshou.

BFMAA-Main sent some of the pioneer Wushu Sanshou players of Negros Occidental in the 1st and 2nd editions of the Philippine National Wushu Championships in 1997 and 1998 at the Wushu Federation of the Philippines (WFP) Main gym in Binondo, Manila. Sherwin G. Nuñesco, 47 kg., competed in the 52 kg. category, the lowest weight category in the event. Teammates of Nuñesco included Ian Bateria, Bong ariñas, and Luisito Agabon.

BFMAA, with the help of Conceptual Martial Arts Society (CMAS), Inc. of Founders/Masters James U. Sy Jr. and Narciso “Hansy” L. Alojado and Tapondo International Federation Inc. (TIFI)- Bacolod/Negros of Chief Instructor/Master Roy R. Flores Sr., organized the first ever Wushu seminar in Bacolod and Negros Occidental, dubbed the 1st Bacolod Wushu Seminar, conducted by then WFP national Head Coach Yu Zhi Bo of Beijing, China.

Amante was appointed WFP Negros Occidental Coordinator by WFP Iloilo Coordinator Arnold Tinagan and the 1st All Negros Wushu Sanshou Qualifying Tournament for the Phillipine National Championships was held by the newly formed WFP Negros Occidental on November 9, 2003.

Typhoons in the Eyes of Former Flood Victim & Environmentalist Maresa Gallos Engo By: James U. Sy Jr.

It has been months since Typhoon Ondoy beat Luzon mercilessly on September 26, 2009 and people had started to build their lives and continue living although many are still in post traumatic stress and depression.

One time I met up with my fellow writer Maresa Gallos Engo, the daughter of the late Atty George Gallos and Adelfa Gallos and a former resident of Manila for 18 years. Mrs. Engo has always been active in her campaign to protect the environment. What she lacks in machinery she compensates in her writings and advocacy.

Engo’s latest work was the environmental-centered newspaper collage exhibit at the Bacolod City Library, which ran from September to October 2009, in support of the Bacolod City Government's observance of the 7th Development Policy Research Month which was spearheaded by the Philippine Institute for Development Studies in accordance with Presidential Proclamation 247 dated September 2, 2002. Her newspaper collage exhibit promoted art therapy and paper recycling in line with this year's theme, "Coping with Climate Variability and Change."

I soon learned that Engo and her family were among the victims of Typhoon Seniang (storm signal no. 1) which struck Manila on November 3, 2000. The flashfloods then were in Brgy. Rizal, Makati City as well as in the adjacent areas. This forced the Engos to relocate to Bacolod.

When she watched all the damages and sufferings caused by Typhoon Ondoy on TV, Engo relates that it was like reliving the ordeal she and her family had before. She remembers very well the floodwater entering their house in Brgy Rizal, rising to chest level.

Engo’s place was situated beside a stream filled with water lilies. The flooding could have been caused by poor drainage or because of the fewer trees to absorb flood water. Their barangay was just wooden bridges away from flood prone areas like Pateros and Taguig. Back in November 2000 when Pasig was also flooded, Laguna de Bay was easily seen when one is in Taguig. A news clipping from a major daily dated December 18, 2000 points to the overflowing of Laguna de Bay as one of the major causes of the flooding during Typhoon Seniang’s rampage.

The water subsided gradually within a month’s time. During that time, Engo stayed in a room for rent because of the unsanitary living conditions in their area. The locality became a huge breeding ground for mosquitoes with people dying from Leptospirosis. Fearing for the safety of her family, she decided to relocate to a safer place.

Migrating to Bacolod meant a lot of expenses for the Engos inspite of the fact that her parents and relatives provided logistical support. The Engos stayed in a small house in the family compound which was vacated by her grandmother. Her two elder children, John Peter and Jobelle (the youngest is Janette), had to adjust to a new school and they had to learn the local Hiligaynon language. The post traumatic shock and cultural shock reflected in her children’s grades.

The flooding of their place served as a turning point in Engo’s life. She became more aware of the need for environmental protection and preservation and became a self-proclaimed environmentalist. Engo strongly believes that as inhabitants of this planet it is our duty to protect it. Here in Bacolod, floods had been experienced due to indiscriminate disposal of garbage which clogs the drainage system.

Of course, it is also our duty to find suitable land where to set up our residences. As a CI/Appraiser during my days with the now defunct Prime Savings Bank, it was my work to ascertain that lots offered as collateral are not flood prone. There are low and high areas and this is a very important factor to consider when buying a lot. This conjcept of high ground is also taught in Feng Shui or Chinese Geomancy.

The changes in weather can also affect the ecology. For example, there are only about 67 Philippine Eagles left, including those held in captivity at the Philippine Eagle Center in Davao and they are now classified as endangered species. This is just a step away from extinction.

Engo’s exhibit has already been accommodated in twenty venues in Bacolod City prior to the display at the city library. Many of those who were exposed to her work were students. Engo is hoping that they will become more conscious of their environment and take active participation while they are still children and more importantly when they become adults and the driving force in our society.

Engo’s advice to the readers, “We should appreciate the trees around us. Let us plant more trees in our backyards to give us food, shade and protection from global warming. Let us save the trees in our forests through paper recycling. Let us practice waste segregation in our homes.”

Obituary: Brittany Murphy (1977-2009)

Born: November 10, 1977, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
Died: December 20, 2009, Los Angeles, California, USA
Occupation: Actress, singer, voice artist
News of death: See http://www.nytimes.com/2009/12/21/movies/21murphy.html?_r=1
Biography: See http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brittany_Murphy
Filmography: See http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0005261/

Tay Tung's Diesto Brings Home 3 Golds for NOPSSCEA By: James U. Sy Jr.

Mary Anthony M. Diesto (B: 1997) of Bacolod Tay Tung High School (BTTHS) gave NOPSSCEA 3 of 4 gold medals for elementary girls athletics after two days of competition in the Palarong Panlalawigan 2009 at the Panaad Stadium and Recreational Park, Brgy. Mansilingan, Bacolod City.

Diesto had a registered time of 13.70 to capture the gold in the 100 meter dash, besting the 13.78 of Area III's Jeremae Riego and the 14.10 of Ma. Cristina Jaro. In the long jump competition, Diesto got 4.48 M as compared to the 4.41 M of magluyan and 4.20 M of Area I's Ritcel Mae Bolo. In the triple jump event, Diesto garnered 9.72 M, ahead of the 9.22 M of Bolo and the 8.89 M of Jinky Biating.

Raye Ferrer gave NOPSSCEA its other gold medal with a registered time of 28.40 in the 200 meter run event, besting the 29.20 of Riego and the 29.45 of Jennifer Asumbrada.

Diesto, the daughter of Winston and Norene M. Diesto, is a grade 6 pupil at the Bacolod Tay Tung High School (BTTHS), one of the three Chinese schools in Bacolod City.

Diesto's official coach is Rolando Malate but her personal trainer is her father, Winston Diesto, himself an alumni of BTTHS (Batch 1984).

Diesto, along with Mitchelle Morales, was named Most valuable Player (MVP) during the awarding ceremony of the 34th United Cup Track & field Meet held by the Filipino Chinese Amateur Athletic Federation last April 4-5, 2009 at the Rizal memorial coliseum, Manila.

During the 2009 NOPSSCEA Athletics Meet last October 3-4, 2009 at the Manuel Y. Torres Sports Center, Bago City, Diesto won 6 golds and established 4 new records. She broke Harumi Kiwagaya's (TCS) previous record of 3.89 (2008) M with her 4.03 M for the long jump event; her own record of 8.05 M (2008) with her new 8.43 M record for the triple jump; BTTHS Team's 1:02:27 (2008) with her team's 0:59:94 in the 4 x 100 M relay; and Shaira Hernandez's (BTTHS) 14.80 (2007) with her 13.41 in the 100 M dash. Diesto's two other gold medals were in classical relay (3:01:24) and 4 x 400 M relay (5:83:24).

Penn Beats Sanchez in UFC 107 By: James U. Sy Jr.

BJ Penn, 31, successfully defended his UFC lightweight crown against no. 1 challenger Diego Sanchez, 27, with a 5th round TKO with a time of 2:37 at the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) 107 last December 12, 2009 in Memphis, Tennessee, USA.

Penn easily manhandled Sanchez throughout the match, dropping him early on with a big right hand in the first round. Sanchez tried to take Penn down but failed. In about two times that he succeeded in doing so, Penn just effortlessly got back up. At certain points in the fight the crowd booed. Penn improved to 15-5-1 while Sanchez dropped to 23-3.

Referee Herb Dean was forced to stop the fight due to the deep gash over the left eye of Sanchez. Sanchez’s face was badly swollen from all the punches he took from Penn. He was taken to the hospital after the bout.

Negros Beauties Shine in Miss WV Tourism ‘09 By: James U. Sy Jr.

2009 Lina-ay sang Negros Vicky Marie Milagrosa S. Rushton (candidate no. 8) was crowned 2009 Miss Western Visayas Tourism last December 5, 2009 at the Capiz Gym, Villarel Statuim, Roxas City, Capiz. Rushton was also awarded Best Festival Costume, Best in Swimsuit and Best in Evening Gown.

2009 Miss Dinagyang Natalie Grace Roberts(candidate no. 6) and Miss Masskara Queen 2009 Maria Aika R. Uy (candidate no. 5) were 1st and 2nd runner-up respectively. Roberts was Best in Interview while Uy was Miss Congeniality. Miss Sinadya sa Halaran Jacqueline C. Kimpo (candidate no. 1) was named Miss Photogenic Award.

Other contestants were 2009 Miss Paraw Regatta (Iloilo City) Ann Rency C. Custodio (candidate no. 4), 2009 Miss Binirayan Festival (Antique) Renzel Jodi P. Dagumanpan (no. 7), 2009 Miss Ati-atihan (Aklan) Ronelie A. Pador (no. 3), Miss Manggahan (Guimaras) Mary Anne Petrola (no. 9), and Miss Binanog (Lambunao) Ruby Claire L. Lopez (no. 2).

Tolero Wins TKD Gold By James U. Sy Jr.

Zennah Marie Mendoza-Tolero, 11, won a gold medal in the Taekwondo event of the District III Area Meet held last December 1, 2009 in Murcia, Negros Occidental. The win earned her the chance to led the Silay City Taekwondo Team in the 2009 Palarong Panlalawigan on December 13-18, 2009. Tolero is a grade 5 pupil of the Mambulac Elementary School and is the daughter of Remegio and Zeny M. Tolero.