Visayan Daily Star
BY MARCHEL P. ESPINA
April 13, 2019

Quick-witted Roxanne Toleco of Talisay City, whose advocacy on education and the community made her stand out, was crowned Lin-ay sang Negros at the jam-packed Panaad Stadium in Barangay Mansilingan, Bacolod City, last night.

Newly-crowned Lin-ay sang Negros Roxanne Toleco with Negros Occidental first lady, Dr. Marilyn Marañon, at the Panaad Stadium last night* Andy Alvarez photo

The 19-year-old psychology student of the University of St. La Salle bested 25 other candidates from the cities and towns of Negros Occidental during the coronation night. She was a crowd favorite as the audience screamed every time she took the stage.

During the final question, her answer on why her city should be the next destination in Negros Occidental brought the house down.

She said her hometown is not just a place but a home. Toleco added that banking on the people, and not just on the tourist sites, would also promote local tourism.

“Talisay is not just a destination, but home to people. People who are progressive and resilient...this will ensure the best legacy,” she said.

During the earlier round, when asked what she would do if she had the power to change,Toleco said she will continue her advocacy on education.

“What if the cure for cancer is trapped with someone who can’t afford education? Education is key to development, advancement, and enhancement of our province,” she said.

In a post-pageant interview, Toleco said she was overwhelmed and thankful that the Lord has given her a chance to be the Lin-ay sg Negros.

She vowed that she would carry on with her advocacy on education “because I have a heart for the people who are financially unstable and I want to get them education as much as possible”.

The Lin-ay crown was back again to Talisay after 10 years. The last beauty queen from the city who won the pageant was Vickie Rushton.

Toleco said Rushton was her inspiration and that the former beauty queen gave her tips and wished her good luck before the pageant.

She won P70,000in cash prize, and a one-year full scholarship from the provincial government.

Lin-ay sang Sagay Jarizz Borcelas was the first runner up, and Lin-ay sang Hinoba-an Leila Jules Sarino was the second runner up.

Borcelas won P50,000 and a one-year 75 percent scholarship, and Sarino P30,000 and a one year 50 percent scholarship from the provincial government.

Other candidates who were in the top 12 were Shaira Dorilag of Silay City, Ma. Vachel Anna Ramos of Victorias City, Ma. Rita Sol Requieron of San Carlos City, Jan Marie Bordon of La Carlota City, Chaira Victoria Juarez of Pontevedra, Eunice Mejica of Cauayan, Helcie Jamili of Isabela, Weny Joy Azuelo of Hinigaran, and Ma. Avedale Berondo of Murcia.

SPECIAL AWARDS
Toleco also stood out in the pre-pageant activities as she was named muse of the media for the north Negros, while Sarino was the muse of the media for the south.

The Talisay beauty was also Miss Photogenic, Lin-ay sang Organic sang Negros, and Best in Evening Gown while Hinoba-an’s bet also won the talent competition.

Another crowd favorite, Lin-ay sang Sagay bagged a number of special awards such as People’s Choice, Miss Kapuso, and Best in Swimwear.

Other special awards winners were Angelica Janine Bautista of San Enrique as Miss Congeniality, Ma. Avedale Berondo of Murcia as Best in Festival Costume, and the Best Evening Gown designer was Edwin Benitez that was worn by Bacolod’s bet, Joanna Angelica Ortillo.

The candidates were serenaded by actor Kristoffer Martin while among the judges were Jojo Bragais, Maureen Wroblewitz, Tom Ramos, Cathrene Stanzon, Ryan Agoncillo, and first Lin-ay sang Negros Maria Lopez.

A video tribute for pageant winners in the last 25 years was also presented.*