Now on it’s 11th year, this annual activity locally known as “Santacruzan” is part of the city government’s 2013 Summer Festival, which is intended to involve the community and provide wholesome entertainment to local residents as well as visitors during summer.
The undertaking also seeks to preserve the cultural heritage of the City as it showcases Zamboangueño creativity and craftsmanship.
The festival de Las Bellas Y Flores, which was held recently at the Paseo del Mar, had gathered ten (10) entries that competed in three festival categories- the Most Outstanding Arco; Best in gown; and Prettiest Señorita.
The said 10 local fashion couturiers showcased their prowess as they battled it out in the contest of creativity, beauty and artistic ingenuity.
The crowd cheered for their respective entry as the beautiful young ladies commonly called “Sagala” and their handsome escorts paraded from Ledesma Street (fronting the Zamboanga City Fire District headquarters) to the Paseo del Mar in their beautifully inspired and locally designed gowns under their flower-bedecked ‘arcos.
The arcos were made by different organizations and designers themselves. The celebration is also a way of showcasing and recognizing Zamboanga’s local talents.
The parade of arcos and beauties ended at the Paseo del Mar ground where the show proper was held 6:30 in the evening.
City Mayor Cerlso Lobregat in his message during the program said “the 11th Festival de Las Bellas Y Flores is an exposition and competition of beautiful arcos, stunning gowns and lovely, fascinating , alluring, captivating Zamboangueñas.”
Lobregat emphasized that the activity “is more than just a parade of beauty and gowns, the festival is a celebration of the resiliency and fortitude of Zamboangueña, of how much has a Zamboanguena grown throughout the years and how bigger a role they are now playing, not only limited in the homes but to the entire society.”
Lobregat cited the late Mayor Maria Clara Lobregat and Mayor-elect Beng Climaco-Salazar as women to be admired and emulated.
Lobregat said the festival also honors the strong women of the City, who have taken on bigger roles in society. “It is a celebration of the resiliency and fortitude of the Zamboangueña,” said Lobregat, citing the late Maria Clara Lobregat and Mayor-elect Beng Climaco-Salazar as women to be admired and emulated.
“We have so much respect for the Zamboangueña. We recognize their ability to bring progress to the City,” the mayor delivered.
The activity was highlighted with the announcement and awarding of winners in each category.
For most “outstanding arco”, grand winner went to entry number 5- Neri Jaruda who took home a cash price worth Php 10,000.00 and a plaque.
“Best in gown” went to entry number 8 - local designer Shady Siocon, who received a cash price of Php 10,000.00 and a plaque, while same entry (number 8) Ms. Henkel Julian took home the title “Prettiest señorita” and bagged away with Php 7,000.00 cash price and a plaque.
The arco competition was judged based on the following criteria: originality, 30 percent; creativity, 30 percent; craftsmanship, 25 percent; and, impact, 10 percent.
Gown entries was judged based on craftsmanship, 45 percent; concept and design, 30 percent; aesthetic appeal, 15 percent; and, impact, 10 percent.
The prettiest señorita competition on the other hand was based on the following criteria: beauty of face, 50 percent; physique, 25 percent; poise and posture, 15 percent; and, stage presence, 10 percent. (PIA9)