BAGUIO CITY – In a dazzling display of grace and determination, Janah Rhyl B. Lumidao, an 18-year-old Senior High School graduate from the University of Baguio, captured the coveted Miss Baguio 2023 title.

Standing tall at 5’8”, Janah emerged as the victor amidst a field of 18 contenders, leaving the audience awestruck at her unexpected win.

The crowning ceremony took place on the evening of August 26, 2023, at the illustrious Baguio Convention and Cultural Center.

Representing Barangay Loakan Proper, Janah carried with her the inspiring motto, “dream big, pray bigger.”

Janah’s journey to the crown was marked by her exceptional achievements, having consistently maintained honor student status and even previously claiming the title of Miss Ifugao in 2021.

Adding to her impressive resume, she was a former Taekwondo champion.

Despite being the youngest among the candidates, Janah faced initial challenges during the pageant’s first round “question and answer” segment for the top 10 qualifiers.

Nervousness stemming from her awareness of being the youngest contestant seemed to momentarily cloud her confidence.

Nevertheless, Janah’s unwavering spirit radiated as she courageously fought past her anxieties.

The climactic moment arrived when Janah’s name was announced as the first finalist among the top 5 contenders for the Miss Baguio 2023 title.

Overwhelmed by the unexpected honor, Janah’s tears of joy mirrored the audience’s sentiment of astonishment.

During the pivotal Q&A portion of the final round, Janah displayed remarkable poise and confidence.

Addressing the question, “If you were to translate Baguio’s essence into a single word, what word would that be and how would you infuse that word with meaning during your reign as Miss Baguio?”

Janah responded eloquently, “Solace, because…I feel really safe when I spend time alone, and the cold climate contributes to my serenity and the solace brought by the cold climate is one of my coping mechanisms, that is why I encourage everyone to come to Baguio to reset your mind and body, to have your serenity, and just be.”

Janah’s triumph extends beyond the title itself, as she is also set to embark on an all-expense paid trip to Vietnam.

Furthermore, she will take on the role of Ambassador for prestigious establishments including Giraffe Boutique Hotel, La Fayette Luxury Suites, and Avignon.

Following her victory, an emotional Janah’s mother, Leny, shared her pride in her daughter’s accomplishment.

“Noong nagpaalam sya, sabi ko, ‘sige, for experience lang kasi bata ka pa.’ Hindi ko talaga in-expect na sya ang mananalo,” Leny expressed.

(When she sought my approval, I reluctantly agreed, primarily emphasizing the value of gaining experience due to her youthful age. I said, ‘alright, but only for the sake of experience because you’re still young.’ Little did I anticipate that she would not only succeed but emerge as the eventual winner.)

Janah’s victory came with a cash prize of P40,000 for winning the Miss Baguio 2023 title, along with an additional P40,000 courtesy of Giraffe Boutique Hotel, a trophy, and gift certificates from the pageant sponsors.

Other notable winners included Justine Tarah Marie Valencia, who secured the title of Miss Baguio Turismo 2023, Sophia Franchesca Cacho, who clinched the title of Miss Baguio Kalikasan 2023, Eula Arielle Paltep, who earned the title of Miss Baguio Kultura 2023, and Norainne Azarcon, who emerged victorious as Miss Baguio Malikhain 2023.

The panel of judges for Miss Baguio 2023 comprised esteemed personalities such as former Broadcast Journalist Ces Oreña-Drilon, Baguio Country Club’s general manager Anthony R. de Leon, Beauty Editor and former Top Model Joyce Oreña, Avignon CEO Christopher Cachuela, and Baguio’s First Lady Arlene Saneo-Magalong.

In the wake of Miss Baguio’s triumph at the national pageant, Baguio’s first lady Arlene Saneo-Magalong, who has served as the Miss Baguio Board Chair since 2021, shared her elation during an interview following the coronation.

“Nakakatuwa lang,” (It’s truly heartwarming) she began, reflecting on the achievements of Miss Baguio over the past two years.

“In that time frame, we’ve managed to secure a spot in the top 10 of the Miss Universe Philippines competition, and one of our representatives even claimed the title of Miss Charm Philippines,” Mrs. Magalong enthusiastically recounted.

Expressing her commitment to the cause, Mrs. Magalong revealed that she had reached out to the mayor, seeking his support for these talented young women.

She firmly believes that through their participation in these pageants, they can positively impact the lives of these young individuals.

“I know, most of the contestants belong to the lower bracket,” Mrs. Magalong empathetically acknowledged.

Drawing from her own experience as a beauty pageant participant in her earlier years, she emphasized that she had rarely encountered contestants from well-off families.

Instead, many of these women join these competitions in pursuit of their dreams and aspirations, aspiring to carve out their place in society.

With unwavering encouragement, she urged all women to consider participating in beauty pageants, emphasizing the importance of perseverance and self-belief.

“I am encouraging every woman to join beauty contests…with perseverance and believing in yourself, kaya nyo yan (you can achieve anything you set your mind to),” Mrs. Magalong passionately concluded.