Foreign-sounding names rule beauty contest

TAGBILARAN CITY, Philippines  — Women with foreign-sounding first or family names dominated a beauty-and-brain competition in this city. A young lass named Karen Montreux was crowned Miss Silka Bohol 2012 during the pageant night held at Holy Name University gym last July 19 (Thursday).

Montreux bested 14 other beauties and pocketed P25,000 cash prize, sash and trophy and other perks given by sponsoring establishments. Equally talented Mary Gigi Galacio bagged the first runner-up plum, Irish Mae Clenuar got second runner-up honors, and Candy Cumayas, third runner-up.

The first four ( Montreux, Galacio, Clenuar and Cumayas) were among the top eight in semi-final selection from among the contestants. The other four of the top eight were Michelle Juguan, Erika Mejos, Gladys Mae Sinconiegue and Lara Ann Lumayag.