From among the fourteen pairs of lovely ladies and good-looking young men who vied for the title, it was Dizon and Nubla who wowed the mammoth crowd and the judges with their wits, poise and good looks.

For winning the title, they took home P30, 000 cash prize, a trophy and sashes. They also received gift certificates and flowers courtesy of the major sponsors.

Nubla added another feather to her cap when she bagged the Ms. Photogenic award.

Mr. & Miss Tourism 2009 title went to Athlas Gonzales and Jeanilica Marie Yambao of Balungao and the island town of Anda, respectively.

While for the second runners-up honors or the Mr. & Miss Tourism award, the winners were Julian Jerry Binarao of Bayambang and Agnes Santiago of Dagupan City.

Binarao was also named as Mr. Best in Evening Wear and Mr. Noosa, a special award.

The Best in Talent award went to Gonzales and Pamela Amor delos Reyes of Sta. Barbara. Mr. & Miss Talent received a cash prize of P 5, 000 and a trophy.

For Best in Creative Costume, the award was handily won by Hanny Edgar Raniaga and Valerie Cristine Dacasin of the host city and San Carlos City, respectively.

Dacasin also took the Best in Evening Wear and Miss David Salon awards.

In the swim wear competition, Santiago and Roger Bulatao of Pozzorrubio showed their perfect body to claim the title.

Other minor awards include Ms. Ever Bilena (Jeanilica Marie Yambao), Ms. Private Joyce (Mary Joys Narciso-San Nicolas), Ms. Noosa (Santiago) and Mr. David Salon (Alberto Antonio Villaflor).

Prior to the pageant night, candidates visited the world-famous Hundred Islands National Park last March 16 and enjoy different eco-adventure activities.

The Hundred Islands pictorial session was also held at the city’s marine park.

Last March 17, the candidates showed their talents to the delight of the spectators at the Bonifacio Stage at the city’s central business district.

And finally the pageant night was held on the 20th.

Miguel Sison, city tourism officer and the event organizer, said over-all the event was an overwhelming success.

Sison said that “next year’s beauty pageant will be a lot bigger and exciting as we celebrate the Grand Hundred Islands Global Homecoming and the Gali-La! Hundred Islands Festival 2010.”

“We will be lining-up more activities for our candidates for them to appreciate and perform their role as city’s goodwill ambassadors not only for the promotion of the Hundred Islands but other tourist destination in the whole province Pangasinan,” he added.

“We hope that more beauties and gorgeous young men from other towns and cities in the province will compete in our beauty and brains competition.” (CIO)