By Paulo Loreto Lim

The highlight of the annual Panaad sa Negros Festival saw Lin-ay sang Bago Angelica Esther Portugaleza win the title of Lin-ay sang Negros at the Panaad Park and Stadium in Barangay Mansilingan, last night.
Lin-ay sang Pulupandan Ma. Angela Tañoso took 1st Runner-up.
Despite picking up several awards, including Miss Kapuso, Best in Swimwear, and Best in Gown, Lin-ay sang Silay Elodie Langlet was named 2nd Runner-up.
Miss Watchmen Daily Journal, Lin-ay sang Himamaylan Faye Coleen Goza, made the Top 10 and was also awarded Miss Photogenic.
During the interview portion, many of the answers given by the contestants carried similar themes, including government transparency and a focus on tourism.
Earlier this week, Negros Occidental Governor Alfredo Marañon, Jr. discussed the very subject, projecting a 20 percent increase in tourist volume from last year’s festival.
Meanwhile, GMA-7 actor Dingdong Dantes, who mentioned his last time in Bacolod City was for his graduation from West Negros University, was also on hand to serenade the contestants./WDJ