Nineteen-year old Rhyza Gayle Litaoen, a senior Tourism Management student at the University of Baguio, bested the competition with her eloquence and allure to become this year's Ms. Tabuk City.

Litaoen, a 50-50 blend of Ibaloi and iKalinga gene, impressed the judges with her answers during Q and A.

Asked during the final Q and A about the projects she will prioritize in case she becomes the mayor of this city, she answered projects related to agri-tourism since ''Tabuk is rich in agricultural areas and I would want tourists to experience the things that represent us and by doing so, tourists will feel at home which in return becomes an honor for us. Let us protect our City and promote it as a tourism destination.''

Other winners are the following: Christine Loncion Carbonel (No. 18) - Ms Tabuk City-Agriculture 2017; Miss Tabuk; Dori Loren Rivera Domingo (No. 5) - Ms Tabuk City -Tourism 2017; : Rhalyn Kate Sallaya Ola (No. 11) - 1st runner-up; and Julien Bagsao Capuyan (No. 14) -2nd runner-up.

Litaoen was the Miss La Trinidad 2016. She took over from Ms. Tabuk City 2016 Preximae Balunggay.

Litaoen romped away with the Miss Talent and the following minor awards: evening gown, swimwear and ethnic attire.

The panel of judges composed Sherleen Damian, Juanet Serzo, Michelle Furuya, Rain Cirilo Sarol and Colonel Gulliver Sineres.

The pageant was hosted by Jonathan Belandrez and former Ms. Tabuk Angelica Balunggay.

"I am overwhelmed and did not expect that I'll bring home the crown since all the other candidates are equally beautiful and deserving of the win,'' the new beauty queen said after the pageant. (Darwin S. Serion/CIO)

#Tabuk #Kalinga #pageant #winners #Litaoen
Photos by Fujiyo Anthony L. Sakai and Ralph Banna P. Bangit
via Tabuk City Kalinga Facebook page