(PHOTO COURTESY)
TACLOBAN CITY – Christina Vanhefflin of Babatngon, Leyte, was crowned Miss Leyte Liberation 2024 during the coronation night held on October 18 at the Leyte Academic Convention Center.
Vanhefflin took home a P80,000 cash prize, along with a crown, bouquet, and the opportunity to represent Leyte in a national pageant.
She triumphed over 13 other candidates representing various towns and cities in the province.
“I believe that heroism is not just a legacy of the past. It is something we live every day, and I believe we Leyteños experience heroism in our daily lives. For me, I believe I am a hero because I have overcome my trauma, and I am grateful for that. It has shaped me into the empowered woman I am today,” Vanhefflin said during her message, honoring the 80th year of valor and heroism.
Jamby Belegorio of Tacloban City was crowned Miss Leyte Liberation Heritage, receiving a P50,000 cash prize, while Niña Athena S. Ariza of Tunga, Leyte, won the Miss Leyte Liberation Tourism title and a P40,000 cash prize.
Rounding out the winners were Sheena Margarette M. Abayabay of Baybay City as first runner-up and Karen Janario of Palo, Leyte, as second runner-up.
Miss Leyte Liberation is an annual beauty pageant hosted by the provincial government of Leyte and is one of the highlights of the Leyte Gulf Landings Commemoration.
(ROEL T. AMAZONA)
