Ms. Mary Joy De Castro, a former employee of the City Government of Tagum assigned as a writer at the City Information Office, is the new Bb. Davao del Norte. Contributed Photo by Lloyd Nayona
DAVAO CITY, Philippines — Two women from Tagum City won this year’s search for Binibining Davao del Norte.
Mary Joy De Castro, coveted the crown and a P200,000 cash prize as well as the title to represent Davao del Norte in the next Binibining Pilipinas pageant.
De Castro was followed by Chariss Manuel, an alumna of Mutya ng Tagum for two cycles, also representing Tagum City, as first runner-up.
De Castro, a former employee of the Tagum City government, convinced the crowd that she deserved the crown when she pointed out that her “moral compass dictates her to be a woman for others” and that if given the chance she will use the crown not as a mere accessory but an opportunity to inspire others.
De Castro likewise earned the nod of the judges in the second part of the question and answer portion, where she delivered a unique interpretation of the province’s tagline: “Basta DavNor, the Best!”
In a Tagum City Information Office dispatch on Friday, De Castro said: “A lot of things come to my mind but I’ve come to realize that it’s not the beautiful beaches in Samal nor the lush forests in Talaingod. It’s not even the establishments in Tagum, it’s actually the cultural diversity of the people and despite this diversity, we need to understand that we need to be unified in order to make Davao del Norte the best.”
De Castro succeeded a fellow beauty from Tagum City Aisa Mel Chrisly Briones-Pontillas, who won the competition in 2004. Just like De Castro, Briones is also a former employee of the city government.
De Castro also bagged other major awards such as Best in Swimwear, Best in Playsuit and Best in Festival Attire, while Manuel notched the Best in Casual Attire award.
Panabo City’s Ed Goldilaine Flores won as 2nd Runner Up, followed by Myrell Martinez of the Municipality of San Isidro and Princess Faye Fernandez from New Corella as 3rd and 4th Runners-up, respectively. (davaotoday.com)
