LIHU‘E n Veronica Pablo, a 2005 graduate of Kapa‘a High School, had a strong show of support as she was crowned the 2005 Miss Kaua‘i Filipina before a near-capacity audience at the convention hall, Saturday. Amidst cheering from her supporters,
LIHU‘E n Veronica Pablo, a 2005 graduate of Kapa‘a High School, had a strong show of support as she was crowned the 2005 Miss Kaua‘i Filipina before a near-capacity audience at the convention hall, Saturday.
Amidst cheering from her supporters, the daughter of Jaime and Josie Pablo of Kapa‘a was clearly the audience favorite as she garnered a lion’s share of the special awards prior to the announcement of the new queen.
A hula medley to the singing of kumu hula Wallis Punua earned her the Talent Phase award as she also captured the Best in Swimsuit, Best in Terno Speech, and Miss Popularity in both ad and ticket sales enroute to her crown.
Patricia Agustin was named Miss Congeniality by the field of five contestants, and Amanda Schone was awarded the Miss Photogenic title at the 47th Annual Miss Kaua‘i Filipina Scholarship Pageant hosted by the Kaua‘i Filipino Community Council.
“Tonight is such a special and touching moment for all the Filipino people on Kaua‘i as we open up the pageant in conjunction of the precelebration of the 100 years legacy that our forefathers built and brought us to where we are today,” said Domie Bucasas, General Chairman for the pageant.
“Like my grandfather who sacrificed leaving his family behind for a better opportunity, the sakadas (farm workers) came to Hawai‘i to work in the sugar plantations,” said Irineo Soriano, President of the Kaua‘i Filipino Community Council. “As we kick off the 2006 Centennial Celebrations through various cultural events like this, let’s all be mindful and proud of our many accomplishments and contributions to the community which underscores our future.”
Allan Villaflor, as choreographer for the event, wove a masterful combination of cultural dances featuring the Kusibulan Dancers as they introduced the audience to the 2005 field and the reigning 2004 Miss Kaua‘i Filipina.
The Kaua‘i Filipino Centennial Chorale under the direction of Helen Sina provided the national, state, and Philippines’ anthem.
Jaelynn Caminos, the reigning 2004 Miss Kaua‘i Filipina, also graced the evening’s entertainment slate with several graceful hula performances highlighted by a hula where she was joined by seven of her cousins, all former title holders.
Those included Dawn Kashima, Lori Parraga, Kaelyn Arakaki, Erika Aquino-Travaso, and Melissa Pegeder, one of the emcees for the evening’s pageantry.
American Idol finalist Jordan Segundo provided another highlight of the entertainment slot as well as providing the final presentation of the contestants who presented their fathers with lei during their final stage appearance.
First runnerup to Pablo was Schone with Nicole Balbarino being presented the second runner-up awards.
- Dennis Fujimoto, photographer and staff writer, can be reached at 245-3681 (ext. 253) and dfujimoto@pulitzer.net.
