Baler, known as the Philippines’ surfing capital, recently hosted its beauty pageant, Binibining Baler 2016, in celebration of its town fiesta. Shaina Angela Reyes bagged the crown.
Runners up were Rhejeann Julienne Duran, 1st (Bb. Brgy. 4), Shara Faye Argonia, 2nd (Bb. Pungit), Airalyn Zuniga, 3rd (Bb. Zabali), and Nichole Aragon, 4th (Bb. Brgy. 5).
Baler Mayor Melianto Bihasa and daughter Claiza Bihasa spearheaded the event in cooperation with Smart Communications, Aurora Telcomms and PEPSI.
Judges were Pedro San Juan Amilbangsa, Mr. Earth 2015, blogger Norman Tinio, 2015 Binibining Pilipinas Supranational Elaine Moll, Mayor Bihasa, 2015 Binibining Pilipinas International Janice Lubina, 2015 Mr. Worldwide Philippines Jolo Yolo, and Leonidas Pena of Philippine Airlines. Department of Tourism Undersecretary Kat de Castro chaired the board of judges.
The candidates stayed at Luxus Residences, their official residence, while the judges were booked at Costa Pacifica.
Baler has other projects in the future to promote tourism.