LIHUE — Kayla Dela Cruz-Cadavona may have a new nickname following her Saturday experience at the Kauai War Memorial Convention Hall. “I wish I could fly, like a manok (Cebuano definition of chicken),” said the daughter of Roland Cadavona and
LIHUE — Kayla Dela Cruz-Cadavona may have a new nickname following her Saturday experience at the Kauai War Memorial Convention Hall.
“I wish I could fly, like a manok (Cebuano definition of chicken),” said the daughter of Roland Cadavona and Betty Dela Cruz in response to a question in the 55th annual Miss Kauai Filipina Scholarship Pageant.
The answer drew pockets of laughter and hoots of “Manok!” cheer as Dela Cruz-Cadavona went on to being named 2013 Miss Kauai Filipina before the sold-out audience at the convention hall.
She also earned the Best in Terno Speech phase, Most Beautiful Terno for her gown, Best in Swimsuit award and topped Best in Interview.
“Tonight’s theme, ‘This is Me,’ allows the young ladies to express their aspirations and to follow their dreams,” said Charlmaine Suero Bulosan, pageant chair and Kauai Filipino Community Council vice president. “It takes commitment and perserverance to participate in a pageant such as this, and by participating, this could yet be another stepping stone for a promising future.”
Lauren Manibog, daughter of Roland Manibog and Murielyn Raza, was named First Runner Up, garnering special awards in the Miss Kauai Filipina Spirit categories for most tickets sold and for most ads sold.
Rachel Carnate, daughter of Rey Carnate and Precy Danao, was Second Runner Up, capturing ties for Most Congenial and Most Photogenic.
Five girls, Dela Cruz-Cadavona, Carnate, Manibog, Allan Mae Ortega and Analyn Bancud vied for $14,000 in scholarships and more than $3,200 in cash awards.
Dela Cruz-Cadavona, in accepting her crown from outgoing queen Deanna Rapozo, earned a $5,000 scholarship from Argosy University as well as $2,000 in cash from the Kauai Filipino Community Council, host of the pageant.
Manibog received a $4,000 scholarship, also from Argosy University, and a $750 cash award while Carnate accepted a $3,000 scholarship and a $500 cash award. Ortega and Bancud were each presented $1,000 Argosy University scholarships.
“These young ladies are not only vying for the Miss Kauai Filipina title, but also are in pursuit of educational and personal development,” said Jimmy Iloreta, KFCC president. “My best wishes go out to each of the participants and I hope they will cherish the valuable experience of being part of this pageant.”
Dela Cruz-Cadavona will advance to the Miss Hawaii Filipina pageant that will be on Kauai in July.
