By: Lorraine Isabel Puod & Quer Lim
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| Photo By Joshua Iradiel Tulio Villanueva |
Among the 16 candidates who showcased their wit, beauty, and advocacy, Nichole Therese Buyoc of Barangay Mobo was crowned as the new Miss Kalibo Ati-Atihan 2022, Jan. 14.
Aside from the title, Buyoc also bagged various special awards such as Best in Talent, Best in Swimsuit, Best in Production Number, Best in Festival Attire, Best in Gown, Miss Photogenic, Miss Globe and Miss Mcdo.
The 18-year-old beauty proved herself after taking the spotlight despite being the youngest among all candidates, and revealed that it was her first title since she started joining the pageantry world at the age of 12 wherein she usually placed as runner-up.
Buyoc, in a Facebook post, expressed her gratitude to everyone who supported and stood with her throughout her entire journey in Miss Kalibo Ati-Atihan 2022.
Winners of other titles and special awards were:
Miss Kalibo Ati-Atihan 2022 Greener, Juliana Mel Villanueva (Miss Tinigaw) who also won Miss Shakey's Kalibo and Miss Cortes Cargo;
Miss Kalibo Ati-Atihan 2022 Livable - Michelle Sy (Miss Old Buswang);
Miss Kalibo Ati-Atihan 2022 Vibrant - Kristine Tobe Garcia (Miss Pook);
1st Runner Up - Krystal Faith Dominguez (Miss Mabilo);
2nd Runner Up - Shebaniah Ann Naigan (Miss Bakhaw Norte)
Other awards were also granted such as:
Organizer's Choice - Sheva Mae Dasa (Miss Caano);
Miss Congeniality - Sofia Claire Inocentes (Miss Estancia); and
Miss Social Media - Krista Angela Joi Sarino (Miss Poblacion).
Furthermore, the selection team of the pageant is composed of Miss Universe Philippines - Aklan, Christelle Abello; Miss Universe Philippines 2020 - 3rd runner up, Pauline Amelinckx; Mister Grand Philippines 2019, Ozzy Gallardo; Lorenzo Isip; Shanyl Kayle Hofer; Mae Ann I. Suante; Celine Pialago; Leo Jamorin; and the chairwoman of the board, Dr. Pinky Djoanna Briones - Yap.
Despite having cancelled the Ati-Atihan Bazaar and Sadsad due to having a rise in the number of COVID-19 cases in the province, Aklanons still continue to celebrate the Ati-Atihan Festival with the Patik Battle of the Ati-Atihan Bands, Search for Miss Kalibo Ati-Atihan 2022, and other contests like the Ati-Atihan Costume Making, Suksok ni Santo Niño, Pinta Ati Painting, among others.