JEDDAH, 19 Sept. — Singing star Jeanette Cerbito has topped this yearís ìSearch for Ms.Penafrancia,î an annual program of the Bicolano community in Jeddah.
The junior student of Al-Hekma International School bested several participants and will be crowned as Miss PeÒafrancia 2002 on Sept. 27.
Named 1st runner-up was Camille Zaysa Cruz, who will wear hold the title Miss Bicolandia for a year.
Cecile Ceriola, the 2nd runner-up, is Miss Bag-ong Bicol Saro and Jasmin Pantoja, 3rd runner-up, will be named Miss Daragang Magayon.
A project of the Bag-ong Bicol Saro nin Jeddah (BBSJ), the "Search for Ms.Penafrancia" event is a popularity contest in celebration of the Feast of the Bicol Region (composed of Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur, Albay, Sorsogon, Masbate and Catanduanes), which is held in Naga City every third Sunday of September.
In Jeddah, the celebration will be held on Sept. 27, 2002 with a Cultural Show presentation entitled "A Journey To Bicolandia" with Philippine music & folkdancesî which is to be highlighted by the coronation of the winners.
Evelyn "Manay" Santos, president of the BBSJ, said the show will be held at the Philippine Consulate grounds starting at 5:30 p.m. "As in the past, everyone is invited to join the Bag-ong Bicol nin Jeddah in celebrating our festivity. ìEntrance is free to everyone," said Ms. Santos.
She said part of the proceeds of this event will go to a scholarship for a two-year computer course to deserving dependents (start of search for scholarship will be announced later).
The BBSJ is also preparing for a seminar on small-scale business opportunities, which will be open to all OFWs.
"We will start on putting up a bakery, with a detailed and actual preparation on how to make hot pandesal, ensaymada, spanish bread and others. The date and venue will be announced later through Arab News and TFC," Ms. Santos said.
