Sweet smiles of victory. Newly-crowned Miss Tagbilaran 2009 Daisy Jean Quilicot (CVSCAFT), center, with second runner-up Mary Paulaine Magallanes of Cogon (left) and first runner-up Meshellane Real Jade Cajels of Budz and Bagz Boutique (right) after the pageant. The three ladies were also the top three in the swimsuit competition at Miravilla Resort. (Photo by Charize B. Lomotos)

Finally, the waiting is over. In the well-attended search for Tagbilaran's fairest this year, Daisy Jean Quilicot, the towering morena beauty from the Central Visayas State College of Agriculture, Forestry and Technology (CVSCAFT), proved that not only is height an advantage, but grace, poise, confidence, and, indeed, a positive outlook, ushering her way to the Miss Tagbilaran 2009 crown.

Earlier, in the swimsuit competition at Miravilla Resort last April 18, Quilicot was a real head-turner with her perfect hour-glass curve which gave her the Best in Swimsuit award. Aside from that, she possesses that unmistakably Anna Maris Igpit stance that made the Panglaoanon Binibining Pilipinas – World in 2006, and maintained her composure throughout the pageant. Quilicot was also adjudged Miss Powerhouse for exuding confidence befitting a true ambassador of goodwill.

The articulate Budz and Bagz Boutique representative, Meshellane Jade Real Cajels from Bohol Wisdom School, was declared first runner-up, while second runner-up Mary Paulaine Magallanes, Mutya sa Cogon 2008, from Holy Name University , was awarded Miss Photogenic from the Aldea Photo Center and Best in Gown. The stage's beautiful backdrop did well for the masquerade-inspired theme of the gown portion, while Magallanes was bested the other ladies with her elegant EJ Relampagos ball gown-like detachable ensemble with a V-cut in the front part, which if removed, reveals the perfect shape of the wearer. Systems Tools' vocalist Alexis Dominic Balista serenaded the ladies.

For the selection of the top five (5) during the pageant night, Quilicot, Cajels and Magallanes, who were originally the top three (3) ranking candidates in the swimsuit competition, were joined by Miss Dampas 2009 Manami Liezel Sobradas, getting the Best in Festival Costume and Miss Natasha awards and Poblacion 3's stunner Odessa Mae Castano, claiming the Miss Aldea Image Model for her striking features and the Miss Talent award for her dramatic portrayal of a scene from the Lea Salonga-starrer Broadway musical “Miss Saigon” during the talent night at the Tagbilaran City Hall Compound on April 22.
Barangay Dao's Charlene Ruiz, the “livewire” in the group, turned out to get the majority votes for Miss Friendship. Image Marketing's Michelle Anne Edano, a Silliman University – College of Nursing graduate who just recently passed the licensure examination for nurses, was proclaimed Miss Aldea Smile and Best in Interview. On the other hand, Grand Luis Lodge's Mary Ann Piquero, Miss UB College of Education, got the Miss Natasha Beauty award. Other candidates who joined were Jane de la Serna (Fern-C), Jenny Tatoy (Ubujan), Loraine Recio (Mansasa), and Mary Grace Torres (JJ's Dimsum and Seafoods).

Raul Phillip O. Gatal, now on his 20th year of hosting beauty pageants in the province, and Miss Holy Name University and Miss College of Nursing 2006 Carleen Angelica P. Yap, were the master and the lady of ceremonies, respectively.
Miss Tagbilaran 2008 Ruby Crisannie Mejos turned over the crown to her successor.

Vice-Governor Julius Caesar F. Herrera chaired the panel of judges, with members retired DILG Provincial Director Carmen C. Gatal, Boholano designer Shannon Pamaong, Bohol Community Cable TV Systems manager Liezl Lim – Gregorio, Bohol Chamber of Commerce and Industry president Norris C. Oculam, indie film “A Faraway Life” cast Dr. Disi Yap – Alba of Englewood Hospital, and Steven Clemens, the American actor of the Cebuano telenovela “Kapalaran” aired over ABS-CBN.

It was noticed that the jampacked audience was composed mostly of the groups from the barangays, educational institutions and business establishments lending support to the Miss Tagbilaran 2009. The pageant was sponsored by the City Government of Tagbilaran, through the City Tourism Office, with City Deputy Mayor Mario Uy, Anne Michelle Porticos, David Maulas, Ray B. Alagon, Kim Nablo, and Darrell Espinosa doing the choreography. (Fiel Angeli E. Araoarao – Gabin, with reports from Gemmalyn T. Garcia and Jhuriz Dugaduga/ Photo by Charize B. Lomotos)