BOTH REPRESENTATIVES OF the fraternity-sorority sector of Silliman University won the first ever “Hibalag Booth Festival (HBF) King and Queen” last Aug. 19 at the Hibalag booth area.
John Lee Favor, from the Mona Lisa society and Maria Rica Babanto, a sophomore Bachelor of Science in Administration major in Entrepreneurship, were hailed HBF King and Queen and won the Best in Talent award.
According to Sweetheart Abbygaile Teope-Loygos, HBF King and Queen Committee head, “[The objective of this pageant is] to convey to the Sillimanians the importance and the beauty of embracing the Filipino culture while showcasing the talents and wit of the candidates.”
The pageant, which was held right after the Parade of Lights at the opening night of Hibalag Booth Festival, was participated by six different student organizations sectors.
Martin Bryan Ganser and Angela Anne Enriquez from the business sector were crowned 1st runner up while Kenneth John Mendez and Marianne Zamoras from the health sector won the 2nd runner up award.
Among those candidates who represented their respective sectors were Marielle Buscato and Renz Macion (socio-civic and special interests sector), Trisha Bautista, Charles Bryan Aton (regional sector) Franz Khyte Bihag, John Christian Lado (arts and sciences sector).
Renz Macion, the best speaker and representative form the socio-civic and special interests sector, said “as a student and being able to participate in the first ever Hibalag Booth Festival King and Queen is a perfect opportunity for me to showcase what my country has. Murag that night it felt like more than wearing our culture through our festival costume; it was a night of showcasing the whole person kind of Silliman education since it comprises 5 Cs and one of which is Culture.”
He added that the pageant highlighted the opening day of Hibalag with the theme, “Embracing the Filipino Culture.”
