Another milestone has been achieved for the Heritage City of Vigan as Saniata Ti Vigan Ms. Richelle Anne Presto from Pantay Daya, Vigan City bagged the first ever crown for the city in this year’s Saniata ti Ylocos 2022 last February 2, 2022 wherein over thirty-
one lovely Ilocanas from the various municipalities and cities of the province joined the said prestigious beauty pageant at Quirino Stadium, Bantay, Ilocos Sur.
The coronation night was started through a production number in which the candidates wore colorful Abel Iloco followed by the swimsuit competition with red metallic two-piece and the evening gown competition in which candidates showcased their elegance and charisma on their gold gowns created by the local designers in the province.
Afterwards, the top 12 were chosen wherein the remaining candidates answered various issues such as COVID-19 Pandemic, Education and Women Empowerment.
Meanwhile, Ms. Vigan was chosen as the Face of Night and Miss Articulate during the first and second set of awards.
Top 6 were announced for the final round wherein finalist were ask with one-common question on what is their stand on same-sex marriage.
“In the world that is full stereotypes and standards, I will choose to break those, I will be in favor of same-sex marriage. Just because who are we to question somebody’s love for someone? And I believe that love has no standards. If you are able to express yourself, if you’re able to give judgments to this love, then it’s okay for you. What makes it wrong is the people who perceive it with judgement and criticism. Nowadays, we should be open and respect everyone. For as long as that’s what makes them happy then let them. As an Educator, I believe that being able to influence the youth to respect all our diversities and to respect our own life choices are the biggest things that I can contribute to our community.” Saniata Ti Ylocos 2022 Richelle Anne Presto winning answer.
In the end, Miss Vigan Rich Presto hailed as the Saniata Ti Ylocos 2022 followed by Saniata Ti Ylocos World 2022 Claire Medina of Caoayan which has also roots from Vigan, Saniata Ti Ylocos Tourism 2020 is Miss San Ildefonso, Saniata Ti Ylocos Environment is Miss Sta. Cruz, First Runner Up is Miss Galimuyod and Second Runner Up is Miss Salcedo.
“I would like to express my gratitude to all who supported me from the preparations, photoshoots and up to this moment especially the City Government of Vigan headed by Mayor Juan Carlo Medina and to former Mayor Eva Marie Singson-Medina for their relentless support for this unforgettable journey of mine.” Ms. Presto said during her interview.
Ms. Rich Presto is a twenty-three years old educator of Ilocos Sur National High School and currently taking Masters in English at the University of Northern Philippines.
