DAMMAM, 3 November — Sheeree Ann S. dela Paz was crowned "Little Miss U of Saudi Arabia" during the TISA-sponsored Filipino Community Day celebration last Friday at the Prince Muhammad Bin Fahd Amusement Park here in Half Moon Bay.

The eight-year-old daughter of Danilo and Elenita dela Paz, a pupil in the International Philippine School in Alkhobar, bested 16 other candidates from IPSA, Philippine School in Dammam (PSD), Philippine Community School in Alkhobar (Philcosa), Play Station Preparatory School (PSPS), and Rahima Academy.

The other winners were Christine Ann Vetus of PSD, 1st runner-up; Rissiel Nicole Villegas of PSPS, 2nd runner-up; Jean Katherine Macapinlac of IPSA, 3rd runner-up; and Jean Christianne Estrellon of PSD, 4th runner-up. Special awards were also given to Villegas as TISA’s Little Darling and Best in Gown while Macapinlac won the Best in Talent and Estrellon was chosen as the McDonald girl.

The community day affair was sponsored by the Timpuyog Ilocano Saudi Arabia (TISA), in cooperation with the Society of Filipino Fashion Designers, Association of Filipino Civil Engineers, and the Philippine Society of Safety Engineers.

The whole day variety show, dubbed Pinoy Sama-Sama Together, also featured singing competitions.

Louie Nolasco of the Giant Stores topped the Gayang-Gaya Ko Si Idol portion, followed by Richard Valenton of the Royal Saudi Naval Forces and Aimhan Doh from Dammam.

In the Bulilit Kampeon contest, Ann Bernadette Indefonso of PSD was declared champion.

Angelique Aquino, also from PSD, was first runner-up and Mernel Mae Binoya of IPSA, second runner-up.

In the Sama-Samang Tinig choral competition, the Prime Note Ensemble composed of Lito, Dennis, Peter, Ronald, Ariel, Jun, Dindo, Celso, Danny, Glenn, Sonny, Mario, Joshua, Rodel and Clovemin won the first prize. The Al-Maharbi Choir conducted by Pong Dimatulac placed second.

Highlighting the event was the performance of Tara Michelle, a fast-rising singing sensation in the Philippines who is mentored by well-known composer Ryan Cayabyab. Michelle, was a product of the Philippine School in Dammam.

Consul Jesus Domingo and Attaché Arturo Romua from the Philippine Embassy in Riyadh both chaired the Board of Judges in all the contests.

The other judges were Manny Tuzon, Jose Concepcion, Mario Reyes, Noli Bueno, Nicanor dela Rosa, Nestor Mauyao, Noel Morales, and Roy Albano. Also gracing the event was TISA founding chairman Joe Avanceña, Gulf bureau editor of Saudi Gazette.

Edgar Ancheta, over-all chairman of the program, said that aside from the participating schools and organizations, the affair was also supported by Asia Restaurant through its owner Jameel Yousef Al-Azman and manager Rolando Ocampo, Power Horse Energy Drink, Philippine Airlines, OFSAT Arabia, Al Asasyah Electronics, Phuket Restaurant, Loyola Education Systems, McDonalds, The Filipino Channel, and BMTC Home Center.

Ancheta said copies of the video coverage of the affair are being prepared. Those interested may call him at 882-5152 ext. 107.