Lyza Katrina B. Samalio of the Municipality of Pagudpud was crowned Miss Ilocos Norte 2021 in a pre-recorded Coronation Night, shot at the Pangil Rock Formation.
The showing of the Coronation Night last May 29 was in the form of a webcast on the Ilocos Norte Tourism Facebook page and a live stream on the Provincial Government of Ilocos Norte YouTube account.
The high school student, who said in an earlier interview that joining Miss Ilocos Norte was her greatest achievement so far, also received three special awards — Best in Talent, Best in Vlog, and Best in Swimsuit.
She was chosen by a panel of judges composed of top-caliber lawyers, doctors, entrepreneurs, and former beauty queens, headed by Miss Earth 2014, Jaime Herrell.
It was her straightforward answer to Ms. Herrell’s question, “If you knew you were a strong contender in this competition and suddenly found out that you were positive of COVID-19 would you keep this a secret just to stand on stage today and probably win the crown or would you tell the organizers and lose the opportunity to win Miss Ilocos Norte this year?” that eventually won her the title.
“If I am positive of the virus I would choose to tell the organizers because I believe that our health is worth more than any crown. Our health is something that we need to treasure all the time. The crown is temporary but our health is forever,” she responded.
Meanwhile, Miss Ilocos Norte 2021 1st Runner Up is Iweeh Hugal Alejo of Nueva Era, 2nd Runner Up is Julia Yzabelle Andrei Echepare representing Vintar, 3rd Runner Up is Roxanne Marie Caoili of Pinili, and 4th Runner Up is Stephanie Jay Ulep representing San Nicolas.
Speaking at the event, Governor Matthew Marcos Manotoc lauded all the people who ensured the safety and success of Miss Ilocos Norte:
“I would like to congratulate all our contestants and their teams, I trust that our candidates will use their platform for good and try to make a difference in their communities.
Tonight we appreciate and celebrate the greatness of the Ilokana, the women of Ilocos Norte are its backbone and foundation of communities.”
Also on May 29, the Ilocos Norte Tourism Office organized a Miss Ilocos Norte 2021 Coronation Night viewing party at the coast of Brgy. Saud, Pagudpud dubbed as “Himala sa Puting Buhangin,” a downsized production of the annual “Himala” at the Paoay Sand Dunes.
Recently, Brgy. Saud made it to the “Most Beautiful Beaches in the World’ list of the Travel+ Leisure magazine.－Edison Justin B. Deus, PGIN-CMO
