The inaugural Mr. and Miss Iconic Kababayan 2021 (A Ramp and Dance for a Cause) pageant, presented by La Fashionista de Macau, showcasing Philippine Regional Costume and promoting beauty and diversity, was held successfully held at the Brito Theater Macau early this month.
Nirvie Rica Amandy Padrigon was crowned the first Ms. Iconic 2021 while Arsenio Misa, Jr. was named Mr. Iconic 2021. Padrigon also won the special awards Ms. Iconic Model, Ms. Captivating Smile, and Best in Urban Trend Wear.
Lester Fernando Casuga and Diana Rose Arnaiz were named first runners up, while Melvin Alilio and Romela Rose Mangulabnan finished as 2nd runners up. Jerald Catulin and Jacquelyn Tundag were 3rd runners up, and Roy Jason Olinares and Rocell Dichoso were named 4th runners up.
Nineteen female and fourteen male contestants competed in Philippine native costumes, in casual wear, sexy dress, and elegant coat. Mr. and Ms. Iconic 2021 marked the first time that a male pageant for Filipino workers was held in the former Portuguese colony.
Maricel Maglente, president of La Fashionista de Macau, said the participants, mostly members of the overseas Filipino community in Macau, took the occasion as a celebration of unity and camaraderie among fellow OFWs, gathered together with the motto, “Let us be fueled with inspiration to share, because sharing is inspiring.”
Bpeepz Dance Crew won the grand prize besting five other dance groups. Tropang tiktokers Vibes, and Danger Master won first and second runners up, respectively.
Hosted by Michelle Jiz and Ronnie Ric Ramos, the event featured guest performers including Bisdak, Indonesian Association, Vietnamese Association, Makatang Manggagawa, Lokalside, Team90’s IBU (Ilongga & Bisaya United), and Analiza Manalo.
Beneficiaries include 55-year-old Rosalie Araja (Macau), six-month-old baby Gabriel Garcia (with congenital hydrocephalus), and Edwin Saribong, both from Camarines Sur, and Scaly and Friends.
Success of the event would not have been possible without the help of these generous major sponsors, who also served as judges, namely, for the pageant, Maria Carmelita Faustino-Martins, Atty. João Encarnacão, Paula Rich Bartolome, Lea Marie Hernandez Capuchino, Janet Guillermo Dolores, Bella Horner, Precious Princess Capuyan, Alinadel Fong, Regie Mich Ramos Cariaso, and Chef Ronald Lagrosa. For the dance competition, sponsors were Kenneth Donovan Rulloda, Arnaldo Ribeiro Ferreira Monteiro, Mark Jhapet M. Ilano, Raymond Herman, and Rodrigo Mordido. Other sponsors were Precious Angel Dream Care, Venjie Cabunias, Racs, Nathaniel Palma, Lea Nicholas, Arlyn Lita, Zumbaberkz, Anna All, Footstep, MED, Kababayan, and BDO.