Once again with admirable elan and charitable purpose, the Kababaihang Rizalista, Inc. (KR) of Toronto, led by President　Lady Araceli "Rose" Cruz,successfully celebrated its Annual Miss Maria Clara affair on June 22nd, Friday 2012 at Ellas Banquet Hall, Toronto.

Attended by over 185 guests, friends, family members　and supporters, the quintessential Kababaihang Rizalista, Inc., a　counterpart of Knights of Rizal　in the Greater Toronto Area presided over the crowning of　Jasmin May Chattergoon as Miss Maria Clara　2012 and her court, Miss Hope KR　Charlene Canlas, and Miss Faith KR Marnelle Garcia. The reigning beauties were escorted by Kevin Catalan, Ryan Canlas and John Mabunga respectively. Miss Maria Clara 2011 Kathlyn Chuson escorted by Rey Sunga led the crowning of the beauties, preceded by　official pinning of sashes, awarding of trophies and offering of bouquets respectively　by: Lady Rose Cruz and Sir George Poblete, Sir Eddie and Marita Lee, Manuel and Merly Garcia, Tess Canlas & Cris Butic, Dave & Minda Chattergoon; Valerie Oblefias, Dr. Belle Tumbukon, Dr. Jorge Jose, Jewel Gomes, Mary Jane Madchiw and Carena Mazo, Nina Cana Bandiera and Julie Relatado & Gloria Delos Santos.

Member of Parliament Joe Daniel of Don Valley East awarded a Certificate of Recognition to the Kababaihang Rizalista, Inc. which was presented by Mr. Mauro Calaguio, Jr., Special Assistant for Community Outreach.
The　yearly　beauty pageant is in its 15th year as a contest-cum-fundraiser is also supported by Knights of Rizal and its project to help poor and needystreet kids in Manila. Aptly and ably　hosted by Dr. Chito Collantes, Founder and President of CWSS Immigration Services,and Kimberly Ibarrientos.

Joining in at　the ceremonies were　Filipino-Canadian community leaders,　senior officers of various organizations and business friends. Among the guests were PIDC's Norma Carpio, Verth Bugtong, Leone Manzanares, Founder/Adviser of PTAC; Knights of Rizal's Sir George Poblete, Regional Commander, Sir Mario Alpuerto, Toronto Commander, Sir Jun Tumamao, Sir Frank Crawford, Sir John Delos Santos, Sir Ben Ferrer, Sir Winston Cameron, Sir Gus Pilapil and Sir Nady Cruz; Philippine Teachers Association President Tony San Juan and Etta Madamba, Mary Cacdac, Jojo Ampioco, Myrna Alforte & Mae Sajorne; CARP's Dr. Belle Tumbokon & Rey Sunga and Atin Ito publisher Eddie Lee　& wife Marita.Lee.　

 Several entertainment personalities　performed well-applauded musical　acts such as Cheryll Samson, Ashley Suva, Kimberly Ibarrientos, Jheo Navarro,Nina Victorio & Sheng Maligsay. Career College Director Bong Castillo did a gleeful Harana　to the winning beauties. A heritage dance was performed by KR's Ladies Estela Bischof, Fely Alfaro, Rosa Hilario and Norma Laxamana; while Ron Carpio's Florence Sound provided the ballroom music. It was indeed an evening of pride, honour, beauty, gaiety, dance, music,　dinner, entertainment and a showcase of admirable Filipino values and tradition. (JSM/tsj).
 

 

 

Munting Nayon News Magazine