By ADAM L. SALIGUMBA
A beauteous University of Bohol second year nursing student and barangay Pondol resident stamped her mark above the rest when the Search for Miss Loon Eco-Tourism 2008 finally culminated in glittering fashion at the Loon Sports and Cultural Center on the evening of Sept. 6, 2008.
Representing Districts 4, 5, and 6, charming and adorable 17-year-old Guldameer Malou Labastilla Sombrio was the judges' unanimous choice as Miss Loon Eco-Tourism 2008. She bested nine other candidates to clinch the title.
Sombrio, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Manuel Sombrio of Pondol, Loon, also bagged major and minor awards namely: Best in Production Number, Best in Swim Wear, Best in Gown, Miss Aldea Smile, Miss Dragon Fireworks, Miss HBC and Miss San Miguel Beer.
Miss Loon SidlaKasilak 2007 Maricel Pasilbas crowned the new queen assisted by Hon. Jane Censoria Cajes, SKPF and SKNF President and Ms. Ivy Piscos-Miranda, first Miss BACS Personality.
Lovely high school student Christine Leopardas Cartagenas of the University of Bohol-Loon romped away with the First Runner-Up title. The judges also awarded Cartagenas Best in Costume, Best in Casual Wear, Miss Aldea Photographers' Choice, Miss Dunkin Donut and Miss Aqua Purest.
Audience-favorite, attractive and alluring Cindy Mae Lugo of the Sacred Heart Academy was adjudged as Second Runner-Up. She also obtained the minor awards of Miss Aldea Image Model and Miss Talent 1st Runner-up.
Smart and witty Shannon Mae Labesora of District 1,2,3 bagged the minor awards of Best in Interview, Best in Speaking Ability and Miss Punctual.
Petite and pretty Christine H. Alombro of Loon South High School was chosen as Miss Congeniality and Miss Talent 2nd Runner-Up.
Intelligent and fluent Sheryl Ramirez Lafuente of Gov. Jacinto Borja High School was awarded Best in Talent and Miss Smart Communication, while Melissa Pasilbas of Sandingan High School was the choice as Miss Save and Earn.
The other three candidates in the search included Fritzie Lumayag Fabiolas–Saint Teresa Academy, Lawrifel Cubero Perges–Cabilao National High School, and Isabelle M. Mulato–District 7 & 8.
The board of judges in the Search for Miss Loon Eco-Tourism 2008 was chaired by Angelica T. Lanoy, D.M.; with members Mary Blanche Laborte, Ruben Salomon, Maria Goretti Labella, Antonio da Silva, Manuel Ferdinand de Erio and Jared Somosot.
Major sponsors of the Search included Cong. Edgar M. Chatto, Vice Governor Julius Caesar Herrera, Sangguniang Panlalawigan Senior Board Member Cesar Tomas M. Lopez, MD, Board Member Ae Damalerio, Mayor Lloyd Peter M. Lopez, MD, Vice Mayor Edwin R. Ladeza and members of the 10th Sangguniang Bayan, San Miguel Beer, HBC, Dragon Fireworks, Aldea Photo Centre, Dunkin Donut, Smart Communications, CCM Construction, Dextel Trading, Polaris Beach Resort, AVEN–TURISTA, Kiddies, Bakeshoppe, Park N Go, Angelie Hawz of Fashion, Moda De Dhoods, Palawan Pawnshop, Save 'N Earn, First Consolidated Bank, Rural Bank of Loon, HBC, Aqua Purest.
Bohol and National SK Federated President Jane Censoria Cajes was one of the special guests of the activity which was presented by the Loon the SK Municipal Federation headed by Loon SKMF President Ivaraxel Ericson.
The search for Miss Loon Eco-Tourism 2008 was one of the highlights in the 255th fiesta celebration of the town's patroness, the Our Lady of Light (Birhen sa Kasilak). Based on the theme of the municipality of Loon as an emerging giant in Bohol tourism, it was directed by Nelson "Cookie" Relayosa, with pageant coordinator Arthur Laurence "Noi" Cawit and members Kenneth Torremocha, Al Lester Meguillo, Lord Nelson Monreal, Marife Libranza-Miranda, Janice Bentulan, and Jerome Orcullo.
The elaborate stage design was created by Angel Miranda, Melody Miranda, Arlon Seno, and Mirazol Miranda. Members of the Kadugong Loonanon Dance Troupe headed by Nelson "cookie" Relayosa presented intermission numbers. The show was hosted by Jeanette Vidal and Jun Labrador.