LINGAYEN, Pangasinan -  Fifteen lovely ladies possessing the proverbial ‘beauty and brains’ assets will vie for the coveted ‘Limgas na Dayat’ 2006 title on April 30 a the Narciso Ramos Sports and Civic Center here.
  Dr. Jackson Soriano, OIC provincial health officer and pageant committee chair, said the 15 semi-finalists were chosen from more than 60 aspirants who responded to four screening sessions a the Lingayen Gulf Resort Hotel here.
 

Many of the candidates were winners in various local beauty competitions.
“I predict a very high competition this year,” Soriano said.
  The candidates are not only vying for the more than P155,000 cash prize at stake, but also the prestige of serving the province as ambassadress of goodwill in tourism and culture.
 Soriano expressed gratitude to Gov. Victor E. Agbayani for giving full support to ensure the success of what remains as Pangasinan’s most prestigious beauty pageant.

This year’s Limgas semi-finalists are Bheta G. Banaag from Urbiztondo; Dian O. Smith, Calasiao; Cheryl Dyan B. Castrence, Bolinao; Michelle Pimentel, Manaoag; Hazel Mae A. Ramos, Sta. Barbara; Leann Honeylet P. Aquino, Tayug; Hazel Sahar B. Nievera, Urdaneta City; Cherilyn Mae B. Lagmay, Sison; Kristine Isabel C. Rapas, Bautista; Hazeline  R. Bercero, Alaminos City; Jarydel V. Prado, Lingayen; Jonessy Cay S. Mercado, Villasis; Cathleen Kayte C. de Vera, Mangaldan; Sheila Mae S. Manaois, Labrador; and Marivic Malicdem, Dagupan City.
  The Limgas winner will receive P75,000 cash prize. The first runner-up will get P50,000 and P30,000 for the second runner-up.
 

Non-winning candidates will receive P5,000 each, plus a chance to clinch any of the special prizes with P5,000 cash prize for each. These are the titles for Miss Talent, Best in Long Gown, Best in Swimsuit, Miss Friendship, Miss Photogenic and a host of special prizes from various sponsors.
 The pageant is being directed by Cecil Jimenez III, with Alfred Cruz as choreographer,  Art ‘Benny’ Hermogeno as scriptwriter and Jay Valenzuela as production/stage designer. (PIO/Donna F. Domagas)