Baguio City celebrates Miss International 2016 Kylie Verzosa’s homecoming

BAGUIO CITY – This is the City of Pines’ turn to roll out the red carpet.

A few weeks fresh from her coronation in Tokyo, Japan, Miss International 2016 Kylie Verzosa came home to Baguio City, with various events scheduled, to bond with her family, relatives and townmates. (IN PHOTOS: Miss International 2016 Kylie Verzosa’s homecoming parade)

Despite the inclement weather on November 26, causing her motorcade to be moved the next day, Sunday, November 27 afternoon, Session Road was packed with locals and tourists who wished to catch a glimpse of the beauty queen. 

Verzosa stood in a floral float, something similar to the floral mobiles used in the Panagbenga. The hood was made to look like the iconic Miss International crown—with pearls and white fur around the base and ribbons that secure the crown. It is Baguio City’s gift for her. She is flanked by young dancers dressed in the native eten (skirt) and ba-ag (g-string).

 

 

 

 

 

 

Repost @missinternationalofficial: Miss International 2016’s hometown, Baguio, is known for making the best flower floats in the Philippines. The Panagbenga Festival is an annual flower festival held in Baguio, where people all over the country compete for the best float. This was Baguio’s gift to Kylie! Isn’t it pretty? #Culture #Philippines #missinternational2016

A photo posted by Kylie Verzosa (@kylieverzosa) on Nov 27, 2016 at 6:10am PST

 

The motorcade ended at the City Hall where she had a press conference.

 

 

 

 

Later that evening, their family-owned restaurant Forest House Bistro and Café hosted a victory party for her honor where her family, closest friends, and trainers and avid supporters who dub themselves Kylie’s Angels, gathered.

“Times change, and I think it’s good that Baguio is changing as well,” she said about the city. “We must, however, maintain cleanliness.”

When asked about a tip for aspiring beauty pageant contestants, especially from her home city, she shared, “Read. Read on what makes you better as a person: physically, emotionally, socially, and spiritually.” 

Aside from the parade and victory party, Kylie also had a charity dinner for the benefit of UNICEF held at the Baguio Country Club on Saturday.

Kylie was crowned last October 27 by Edymar Martinez, becoming the Philippines 6th Miss International title holder. – with a report from Alexa Villano/Rappler.com 

Ivan Jim Layugan is a writer based in Baguio City. He teaches literature and public speaking at the University of Baguio