Photo at right: Marydee Manayaga was named the Little Miss Solane Cuties title, while Duchess Blythe Uybengkee was chosen Little Miss Solane Teenies during the national pageant day held at the SMX Aura Convention Center, Taguig City.
Seven-year old Marydee wowed the audience with her dancing skills and her love of science during the question-and-answer portion, besting 11 others in the Cuties category (six to 10 years old). The first-time pageant contender also won the Naturally Beautiful Face special award, aside from being this year’s Little Miss Solane Cuties.
Photo at far right: In the Teenies category (11 to 14 years old), 13-year-old aspiring actress Duchess showed that persistence bears fruits. She joined last year’s pageant in the Cuties category but did not win the crown. The setback did not stop her from trying again. Duchess also won the Yupangco Music Academy Best in Talent award for her interpretation of the Little Mermaid classic, Part of Your World.
As grand winners, Marydee and Duchess each won P50,000 cash plus P50,000 worth of scholarships and developmental programs. They also have the privilege of joining Solane activities that include outreach programs, trade shows and other special events where they can further showcase their talents.
These winners took home P30,000 and P20,000 cash, respectively.
Special awards also went to cuties Steph Nethel Redne Yamut (Best National Costume, Darling of the Press), Beatrice Bade (Most Elegant in Partywear), Sheena Belarmino (Little Miss Sporty and Healthy, Yupangco Music Academy Best in Talent), Sofia Berry Villanueva (Little Miss Best Friend, Monde MY San Little Miss Intelligence), Angela Marie Gilstrap and mother Michelle (Solane Mom and Daughter of the Year) and Isha Kim Quibal (Champion Fabri-con Child of the Year); and teenies Ma. Christine Mendoza (Little Miss Sporty and Healthy), Alessandra Reanne Rafael and mother Rosamarie (Solane Mom and Daughter of the Year), Ma. Mercy Bacarisas (Most Naturally Beautiful Face, Darling of the Press), Schanelle Ashley Banzon (Champion Fabri-con Teen of the Year), Marielle Jhoy Tubig (Most Elegant in Partywear), Ma. Dominique Trillana (Monde MY San Little Miss Intelligence), and Sharmine Michaela Richards (Best in National Costume, Little Miss Best Friend).
They all received a sash and P5,000 cash prize for their special awards.
“The exposure gained from this pageant will certainly help these young girls become better individuals for their families, friends and their community,” said Isla LPG Corporation CEO Ramon del Rosario. These young ladies represented their respective regions and competed at the national pageant held on May 17 at the SMX Aura Convention Center, Taguig City.