By Niña Christelle M. Sumintac, StratCom Correspondent

Showcasing her radiance, eloquence, and character on the pageant stage, Lovely M. Demandante, a third-year student of Bachelor of Secondary Education major in Science at the MMSU College of Teacher Education, has been crowned Miss Ilocos Norte 2023. 

Representing the town of Dingras, Demandante bested the other 22 contenders during the pageant coronation night held last night, May 24, at the Ilocos Norte Centennial Arena in Laoag City. 

Demandante's stunning beauty and impressive intellect set her apart from the competition, securing her spot in the Top 5. In the final round, she articulately answered the question, “How will you embody the spirit of the modern Ilocana while honoring the rich heritage and traditions of Ilocos Norte?”

“I will embody it by accepting a change as well as preservation, change in a way that the women nowadays talk, and when they talk everybody listens and when everybody listens, they influence and I would use that in order for me to cultivate the culture and heritage of Ilocos Norte because I believe that we Ilocanos have a lot to offer more than just tourist spots and the delicacies. We are so much more than that,” she responded.  

Aside from getting the coveted crown, the CTE student also bagged the Best in Municipal Costume Award. She showcased the Dingras Ani Festival. 

Other MMSU students who represented their respective towns also joined the much-anticipated pageant. 

Elated with the news, University President Shirley C. Agrupis congratulated the winner and thanked her for bringing with her on stage the seal of MMSU’s training and nurturing. “Kudos also to all our MMSU students who shared the same stage,” she added. 

Organized by the Ilocos Norte Tourism Office, the annual pageant is conducted to showcase the elegance, charm, and wit of Ilocanas. (HLY/JVBT/DPT, StratCom)