LIMGAS NA PANGASINAN 2016 BEAUTIES. Nineteen-year-old Karissa Anne Lopez of Alcala (center), reigning Limgas na Pangasinan 2016 is flanked by the runners-up during the Limgas pageant and coronation night held on April 30 in front of the Capitol building in Lingayen. Runners-up include: (from left to right) Christine Joy Picardial of Sison (3^rd runner-up), Denielle Joie Magno of Bayambang (1^st runner-up), Perla Peabody of Villasis (2^nd runner-up) and Dianna Rose Untalan of Sta. Barbara (4^th runner-up). /Photo by Jinver Perez

9^TH BANCA PARADA CRUISES ALONG LIMAHONG CHANNEL. A large cluster of 123 artistically-fashioned small sea vessels dubbed Banca Parada cruises along the historic Limahong Channel of the Agno River during the Pistay Dayat celebration on May 1. The fluvial parade started at the staging area in sitio Bantayan, Pangapisan Norte, Lingayen, passed underneath the Domalandan Bridge in Lingayen and ended at the riverside in Banaga Bridge in Bugallon where the Pistay Dayat commemorative program and awarding ceremony took place. Banca Parada, a component activity of Pistay Dayat, showcases the clean rivers in the province and serves as a significant gesture of the unity of Pangasinenses for the protection, preservation and conservation of natural resources in the province. /Photo by Jinver Perez.

Lingayen- – -Twenty-year old Karissa Anne A. Lopez from the town of Alcala emerged as this year’s fairest young lady during the grand pageant and coronation night of Limgas na Pangasinan held on April 30 at the Capitol Plaza.

Lopez bested 22 other equally lovely and witty candidates representing various towns and one city in the province in the most prestigious beauty tilt in Pangasinan with her irresistible charm and winsome smile.

Her poise and confidence on stage also gained her the Best in Evening Gown award.

Finishing with the first runner-up spot, on the other hand, is 22-year-old morena beauty Denielle Joie N. Magno from the town of Bayambang who bagged four minor awards such as Miss Cream Silk, Miss Social Media Award, Darling of the Press, and Best in Swimsuit.

Other ladies who made it to the runner-up slots are Perla M. Peabody (Villasis)- 2nd runner-up; Christine Joy F. Picardal (Sison)- 3rd runner-up; Diana Rose S. Untalan (Sta. Barbara)- 4th runner-up.

Candidates who were awarded with other minor awards are as follows: Vanessa Baraquio (Basista)-Texters’ Choice Award and Best in Festival Award, Perla M. Peabody (Villasis)- SMART People’s Choice Award, Diana Rose S. Untalan (Sta. Barbara)- Miss Photogenic, Keesha Maye H. Abad (San Jacinto)- Miss Friendship, Tristan Kyle Torio (Bolinao-Miss Personality, and Riza B. Diego (Bayambang)- Best in Talent.

The crown holder was awarded with P100,000 plus trophy while the runners-up were given P70,000; P50,000; P30,000; and P20,000 respectively.

Ma. Luisa A. Elduayan, in an interview, said that aside from the honor of being crowned as the Limgas na Pangasinan, the titleholder gets the chance to participate in a special task given by the provincial government specifically in the promotion of tourism and environment protection by reaching out to the community for the specific advocacies.

This year’s Limgas na Pangasinan pageant was chaired by the Provincial Employment and Services Office (PESO) headed by Alex F. Ferrer. (Ruby R. Bernardino)

Lingayen – Second district congressman Leopoldo N. Bataoil recently commended the brand of leadership of Governor Amado T. Espino, (GATE) Jr. which led to the effective implementation of pioneering environmental advocacies that catapulted the province to the hall of fame awards and citations in environmental governance.

“It takes a positive and inspiring leadership that made everyone cooperate and work together to make rivers in Pangasinan clean and green,” thus said by Cong. Bataoil, who was invited as guest of honor and speaker during the commemorative program and awarding ceremony of Pistay Dayat 2016 held on May 1 at the riverside in Banaga, Bugallon shortly after the staging of Banca Parada.

Bataoil further noted that the massive clearing and dredging of river systems initiated by the Espino administration brought back the natural beauty and grandeur of the rivers in the province.

Citing the positive transformation of the Agno River, the unopposed re-electionist solon said that the department of the environment and natural resources has even recognized the Agno river as among the cleanest rivers in the country today.

Meanwhile, Governor Espino thanked Pangasinenses for the all-out support he received which contributed to the over-all efforts to propel development initiatives in the province since he assumed the province’s top post in 2007.

Gov. Espino likewise bared that the Ilog Ko, Aroen Tan Bilayen Ko advocacy, a component of the multi-awarded coastal resource management (CRM) program of the provincial government, united Pangasinenses to protect, preserve and conserve natural resources of the province.

Multi-awarded province of Pangasinan under the Espino administration was adjudged regional hall of famer in CRM in 2010, for three years in a row of winning the CRM (2008, 2009 and 2010).

“All that we did to protect and preserve the natural landscapes of our province are not for us anymore, but for the benefit of the future generations,” Espino said.

At the peak of Pistay Dayat celebration, revelers witnessed the grand spectacle of hundreds of artistically-fashioned motorized bancas cruising along the Limahong Channel from sitio Bantayan, Pangapisan Norte, Lingayen to Banaga, Bugallon.

The Banca Parada, a display of the beauty of Pangasinan river and appreciation of its historical relevance, was participated in by 123 contingents from local government units (LGUs), non-government organizations (         NGOs), national government agencies (NGAs), private business sector (PBS), including 89 barangay entries.

The parade is divided into two categories: category A (barangays) and category B (NGAs, LGUs, NGOs, PBS and various stakeholders).

Winners for category A are: Brgy. Dulag, Binmaley (Champion); San Isidro Sur, Binmaley (1^st runner-up); and Brgy.Gueset, Bugallon (2^nd runner-up). Category B winners, on the other hand, include LGU Binmaley (Champion); LGU Bugallon (1^st runner-up); and CENPELCO (2^nd runner-up).

Winners received Php. 25,000 (champion); Php 20, 000 (1^st runner-up); and Php.15,000 (2^nd runner-up).

Lingayen – Twenty-three-year-old Riza Diego, one of the 23 candidates vying for Limgas na Pangasinan 2016 crown, emerged as the most-talented candidate in the talent showdown held at the Sison Auditorium on April 25.

Diego, who hails from Bayambang, delivered a catchy performance of her portrayal as “Pinkaw,” a mistreated and ill-fated individual in a society ruled by greed and power.

Despite technical glitches with her lapel, she still nailed a smooth performance which captivated the attention of the crowd.

“Actually po wala akong masyadong preparation. Nagkaroon lang ako ng script and then ako na po ‘yong bahala sa gagawin ko,” Diego said in an interview.

The oldest among the 23 candidates for Limgas na Pangasinan, Diego, reigning Miss Galicayo Camilliana, dedicates her feat to her family and supporters, as well as to all Pangasinenses.

The performances of Limgas candidates were judged on the following criteria: mastery and style (40%), level of difficulty (30%), relevance and message (20%), and overall impression (10%).

Aside from the talent competition, the candidates donned festival costumes depicting their respective One-Town, One-Product (OTOP). The winner for this category will be announced during the pageant and coronation night at the Capitol Plaza on April 30.

Limgas na Pangasinan is annually held as a component activity of Pistay Dayat revelry.

The talent showdown and OTOP-inspired festival costume parade was graced by Pangasinan first lady, Mdme. Priscilla I. Espino; Provincial Tourism and Cultural Affairs Officer Malu Elduayan, Pistay Dayat 2016 over-all chairperson; and Provincial Employment Services Officer Alex Ferrer, Limgas na Pangasinan 2016 committee chairperson.

Lingayen – Intense sports action was witnessed by spectators and sports buffs from all over Pangasinan as the provincial government gathered anew about 30 young Manny “Pacman” Pacquaio wannabes from various towns and cities in the province who battled for supremacy in 15 weight divisions of the 7^th Paboksing Ed Gulpo held on April 29 at the Capitol beachfront, here.

The amateur boxing competition dubbed Governor Amado T. Espino Jr. Cup, a component program of the sports development thrust of the provincial administration, forms part of the annual Pistay Dayat celebration.

Provincial Sports Director Modesto Operania, in an interview, noted that the stamina and boxing skills of young Pangasinense boxers have been developed through the boxing tournaments of sports competitions like Batang Pinoy where they compete.

Operania said that under the Espino administration, more Pangasinense boxers have been given the opportunity to enhance further their boxing skills as the provincial government sponsors their trainings and participation to various boxing tournaments.

“Taon – taon, parami ng parami ang nanunuod ng boxing event na ito dahil likas sa mga Pangasinenses ang pagiging magaling sa sports kabilang na ang boxing,” Operania said.

Paboksing Ed Gulpo boxers competed in the following weight divisions: light paper weight (40-42 kgs); light pin weight (44-46 kgs.); pin weight ( 46-48 kgs.); light bantam weight (52-54 kgs.); feather weight (56-58 kgs.); and welter weight (62-64 kgs.)

Winners in the weight categories include: Manuela Yanday (Sual), Marvez Yanday (Sual) – Light Paper Weight; Mark Leonard Carretero (Anda) – Light Pin Weight; Joseph Lozadas (Labrador), Jaycer Odtujan (Labrador) – Pin Weight; Raymundo Sentinillar (San Miguel), Marvin Garibay (Anda), Eleazar Brumuela (Dagupan ), Cyrus Malanum (San Fabian), MilvenAvilez ( Lingayen), Jon Rhey Gascon (Urdaneta) – Light Bantam Weight; Dhan Rey Carolino (Anda), Eduardo Lorega (Mangatarem) – Feather Weight; John Lanquino (Calasiao), Gerson Astadan (Dagupan) – Welter Weight.

Kings of the ring each received Php1,500 cash prize and a medal while non-winners brought home Php1,000 each

Lingayen – The provincial government supports the bid of Limgas na Pangasinan 2015 Maybelle Pameroyan for the Ms. Earth – Philippines 2016 crown.

Twenty-four-year-old Pameroyan, who hails from Sta. Barbara, is competing against 48 other Ms. Earth – Philippines hopefuls from different towns and cities in the country. Coronation night is slated on June 12.

Prior to the Miss Earth coronation night, Pameroyan will crown her successor at the coronation night of the 2016 Limgas na Pangasinan pageant on April 30 at the Capitol Plaza in Lingayen.

Limgas na Pangasinan, a feature activity of Pistay Dayat celebration, focuses on environmental advocacies that is similar to the causes promoted by Miss Earth which is among four esteemed international beauty searches.

A first-time competitor in a national pageant, the Pangasinan beauty, in an interview, said: “My journey as Limgas na Pangasinan 2015 has exposed me to various component projects of the multi-awarded coastal resources and management (CRM) program of the provincial government.”

Graduating with flying colors in the Pangasinan State University – Bayambang Campus with the degree of Bachelor of Secondary Education major in English, Pameroyan is an environment lover who advocates environmental protection, preservation and conservation through educating people, especially the young to embrace these causes.

Being a secondary English teacher, Pameroyan said she constantly encourages the students through seminars and forum to embrace their own environmental advocacies which are timely and relevant to mitigate the effects of climate change.

Other candidates from Pangasinan vying for the Miss Earth-Philippines crown, are: Eva Eunice Reinoso (Alaminos); Liza Cacho (Anda); Chissan Rae Balderas (Infanta); and Shannon Rebecca Bridgman (Rosales)/.

Last year, Limgas na Pangasinan 2014 Allyssa Ashley Calimlim of Villasis town, also joined the said beauty tilt.

PISTAY DAYAT 2016 OPENS. Governor Amado T. Espino, Jr. leads the opening program of the biggest sea festival in the province, Pista’y Dayat 2016 held last April 22 at the Capitol Beach front in Lingayen. The University of Luzon DBC along with the Dangoan Dancers of the provincial government amused the audience with their performance of native Pangasinan music and dances. /Photo by Tyrah Vinluan

9THPANGASINAN TOURISM AND TRADE EXPO OPENS. Governor Amado T. Espino Jr. leads the ceremonial ribbon cutting of the 9th Pangasinan Tourism and Trade Expo, held at the Pangasinan Traning and Development Center (PTDC) last April 22. He is joined by Vice Governor Jose Ferdinand Z. Calimlim Jr. (extreme right), Pangasinan first lady Madam Priscilla “Mely” Espino (fourth from right), Congressman Leopoldo Bataoil (third from left) and Board Member Raul Sison (second from left). The expo runs until May 2. /Photoby Jedidiah Ordoñez

Lingayen – The grand parade of hundreds of artistically-designed motorized boats dubbed “Banca Parada” will again cruise along the historic Limahong Channel from sitio Bantayan, Pangapisan North, Lingayen to Banaga Bridge in Bugallon to serve as the main delight of the Pistay Dayat revelry on May 1.

The fluvial float parade staged annually as a feature activity of Pistay Dayat celebration is a showcase of the beauty and history of the revived rivers in the province which has undergone a series of clearing and silt dredging operations conducted by the Task Force Kalikasan as part of the “Ilog Ko, Aroen Tan Bilayen Ko” advocacy of the provincial administration led by Governor Amado T. Espino, Jr.

Limahong Channel, dug by 15th century Chinese Pirate Limahong for his escape when he was pursued by the Spanish colonizers, is a historically significant natural feature of Pangasinan that was utilized for transportation in the antiquity.

Depicting this year’s theme “Masaganang Ilog at Karagatan, Yaman ng Pangasinan,” Banca Parada can be viewed along the river banks, on top and under the Domalandan bridge in Lingayen and in areas near the Banaga bridge in Bugallon.

Pistay Dayat commemorative program follows right after the banca parada where fluvial float winners will be recognized.

Participation to banca parade is open to all interested barangays (category 1); and national government agencies (NGAs), city/municipal local government units (LGUs), non-government organizations (NGOs) and private business sector (PBS) groups (category 2). Acceptance of entries is until April 25.

Other mechanics and guidelines for the competition include:
• Contingents should provide their own motorized bancas that shall be prepared for decoration within the staging area at sitio Bantayan, Pangapisan North, Lingayen at 3pm on April 30;

• Decorated bancas must be docked at the designated staging area at least two hours before the start of the parade for judging;

• Materials that will be used as props decorations etc. must be dominated by indigenous and biodegradable materials; corresponding budgetary requirement shall be shouldered by the contingent;

• Floats depicting the competition theme shall bear the name and or/logo of the participating barangay/LGU, NGA, NGOa and PBS;

• Outfits of passengers shall be the official uniform of the participating contingent or any colorful outfit;

• Criteria for judging of the bancas include: ingenuity, creativity and artistry (30%), relevance to the theme (30%), dominance in the use of indigenous and biodegradable materials (30%) and over-all impact (10%);

• At stake in the contest include trophies and certificates of recognition and cash prizes as follows (for categories A and B): best fluvial float (Php25, 000), 1st runner-up (Php20, 000) and 2nd runner-up (Php15, 000).