Carl Acebes and Nancy Cabas wins Mr. & Miss Valentines 2004 contest in Ivana
By Mrs. Teresita F. Barsana

Approaching the Town of Ivana

The Ivaneos are well known for their unity, cooperation and oneness when it comes to community activities such as sports competition, health, arts and academic competitions. It is not only in sportsmanship do the Ivaneos excel, but in almost all kinds of competition. The Ivaneos are not taking this to mean that they are better than anyone, but instead, they are taking this as an opportunity to participate and show cooperation, aside from exchanging wholesome rapport with fellow Ivatans.

The Ipula Wives Association of Ivana, Inc. (IWAII) recently launched the Popularity Contest for the Search for Mr. & Miss Valentine 2004. This was spearheaded by its President, Mrs. Elizabeth D. Valones and Chairman of the Board, Mrs. Teresita F. Barsana. The contest was participated in by young ladies and gentlemen from Barangays Radiwan, Tuhel, Salagao and San Vicente.

The Mr. & Miss Valentines 2004 is a Popularity Contest among teenagers, 13 to 19 years old. This was done by selling tickets and each ticket represented one vote for the candidate whose name was printed on the face of the ticket. The Sales of the tickets was shared by the candidate and IWAII on a 30/70 basis, 30% to the candidate, and 70% to IWAII. All expenses necessary for the holding of the contest and the prizes, including the expenses for the Dancingang Bayan which was held on the Awards Night on Valentines Day, were deducted from the 70% that went to IWAII. On the Awards and Coronation Night, there were games and prizes for people who joined the party.

This year’s candidates were supported by the following sponsors: Mrs. Yolly Acaya for San Vicente; Mrs. Analisa Barcelona for Salagao; Mrs. Josefina Barsana for Tuhel; and Mrs. Lenny Yap for Radiwan. The Board of Canvassers are as follows: 1) Mrs. Yolanda Elica; 2) Mr. Caesar A. Esdicul; 3) Hon. Merlita Acaya; 4) Mrs. Elisa Aguto; and 5) Mrs. Secunda F. Castano. The sponsors’ job were to assist the candidates in the selling of tickets, providing for the gowns and other uniforms to wear during the presentation, and tutoring their candidates on the proper posture and decorum while onstage. In short, they will help their candidates to win.

Final canvassing results are as follows: No. of votes

1. Miss Nancy Cabas and Mr. Carl Acebes - 2,380

2. Miss Janeth Agravante & Mr. Aaron Acebes - 2,091

3. Miss Jill Ann Barsana & Mr. Em John Castano - 1,248

4. Miss Karen Carba & Mr. Frizian Ydel - 1,072

5. Miss Desiree Acaya & Mr. Michael Guerero - 872

6. Miss Christy Coba & Mr. Leomar Apolinar - 629

The main objective of the project is to maintain the close friendly relationship among the youth and the elderly alike. More specifically, it is aimed at:

1) Giving a wholesome past time for in-school and out-of-school youth;

2) Providing a closer friendly relationship among the youth, thereby enhancing camaraderie and oneness;

3) Enhancing participation and cooperation of the youth in community activities;

4) Introducing awareness on community social work and promoting sportsmanship among participants.

On the Coronation Night on February 14, 2004 at 7:00 PM, there was a Dancingang Bayan – a community Valentines Dance Party which was held at the Plaza, in front of the Municipal Building of Ivana. In charge of the Pasakong were Engr. Louie Agudo and Vice-Mayor Saturnino Valones. This was a free for all dance party wherein there were various games and contests from the beginning of the party up to the end. Solicitations were also done for other prizes.

The above candidates shall also represent various Marian Portrayals and their consorts during the Santacruzan which will be held on May 1, 2004.