Grand hometown welcome awaits new Ms. Universe Philippines
Ms. Universe Philippines Mary Jean Lastimosa INQUIRER PHOTO
TULUNAN, Philippines—For bringing honor to this quite obscure town, a grand welcome is planned for newly crowned Ms. Universe Philippines Mary Jean Lastimosa, officials said.
Although officials would not say what the exact activities would be, it is expected that the grand welcome would be as festive and extravagant as every other important gathering in this town.
Aside from the overflowing food that this town is known for on major events such as fiestas, Lastimosa could also expect a tour of the town center, complete with escorts and a brass band, an insider said.
Jomar Almerante, head of barangay Sibsib, said the entire population of the town could still not contain their happiness over what Lastimosa, known here as MJ, has achieved.
That happiness, he said, is also to be expressed in a resolution the barangay council would be passing on Thursday, recognizing the beauty queen as the “pride of Barangay Sibsib.”
“We have a Ms. Universe and the people of Barangay Sibsib and Tulunan, and North Cotabato are indeed very proud of MJ,” Almerante said.
Mayor Lani Candolada said the hero’s welcome for MJ was being prepared and even ordinary people have pledged to help.
“This is to give her recognition for the pride and honor she gave to Tulunanenses,” she said.
Candolada said the local government was coordinating with Lastimosa’s camp as to when the event would take place.
She said it could be timed in September, when Lastimosa is expected to come home for the province’s centennial celebration.
Candolada said as a barrio lass, Lastimosa was at practically every beauty contest held in the town’s villages before she set for Davao City, where she started a modeling career.
“She has joined many beauty pageants which made her confident in joining the higher level of beauty competitions,” she said.
Like the people of this town, Lastimosa said she still has not gotten over the joy of victory.
“Overwhelmed and still in cloud 9,” she told a local radio station in Kidapawan City via phone on Monday.
Lastimosa said she would be forever indebted to the people of this town and North Cotabato for their moral, spiritual and financial support.
“I dedicated this crown first to God, my family and all who gave their trust and prayers for my success,” she said.
Lastimosa said she would personally thank her townmates when she comes home.
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