Kagay-an Festival Updates!

Miss CdeO 2006:
XU debate president is Miss CDO press favorite

TWENTY-year-old Jedyl Jamaca became an early favorite in the running toward the search for Miss Cagayan de Oro 2006. Jedyl, a Xavier University coed, was chosen Darling of the Press by local media men in a pageant presentation cum press conference this weekend.

The award boosted her chances to grab this year's Miss CdeO crown, of which 15 candidates are vying in a match of talent, intelligence and beauty. She is candidate number six, representing Barangay Kauswagan. Last year's Darling of the Press, 18-year-old Jessa Bella del Rosario, went on to clinch the grand title. Set against the blue waters and green foliage backdrop of the newly refurbished Kagay-an Resort, the peachy damsels impressed spectators in their swimsuit attire. After lensmen clicked away for photos, the girls answered questions from members the press.

Jedyl, who loves to talk politics and current event issues -- as her written profile says -- emerged as one of the eloquent speakers, thus getting most of the questions directed to any candidate. Her verbal prowess was no wonder: she is the president of their school's debating club. Becoming a lawyer is one of her major ambitions.

Jedyl, however, only mirrors the major changes taking place inside the pageant gear, said socialite and civic leader Rhia Rita Abalos who heads the competition. "We screened them meticulously and we have added components in the pageant that would emphasize intelligence and social awareness as basis for choosing this year's winners," she said.

The Darling of the Press award forms part of the several pre-coronation tilts in the run-up to the coronation night on August 24. Talent and swimsuit competitions will be held later this week. Miss CdeO pageant is one of the main highlights of the city's annual fiesta -- the 28th of August.