PIDCI presents 2014 Diwa Ng Kalayaan candidates

First batch of 2014 Diwa ng Kalayaan candidates: Kristine Joy Poraque, 25; Illin Bangug, 17; Stella Marie Cabrestante, 19; and Ria Lalaine Rius, 25. Photo by Monico Rabara

The countdown to the 116th Philippine Independence Day celebrations in New York City, which falls on June 1, officially kicked off February 15 with the presentation of the first batch of Diwa Ng Kalayaan beauty pageant contestants and Mrs. Kalayaan popularity finalists held at the Philippine Consulate.

Besides the honor to become an Ambassador of Goodwill for one year, the Diwa ng Kalayaan and Mrs. Kalayaan winners will ride on a festive parade float during the Philippine Independence Day parade along Madison Avenue, the largest parade of its kind outside the Philippines.

They will be formally introduced to the public during the cultural festival program held near Madison Square Park after the parade. In addition, they will be honored at PIDCI’s Grand Independence Ball set June 7 at Teaneck Marriot at Glenpointe at 100 Frank W Burr Blvd. in Teaneck, New Jersey.

This year’s first batch of Diwa ng Kalayaan candidates includes Kristine Joy Poraque, 25, Glendale, NY; Illin Bangug, 17, Hackettstown, NJ; Stella Marie Cabrestante, 19, Glendale, NY; and Ria Lalaine Rius, 25, Jamaica, NY.

The first batch of Mrs. Kalayaan candidates included Michelle Loretto Llado, Divina Rule, and Lourdes Sardoma, mother of 2013 Diwa ng Kalayaan Kristine Liwag. The Diwa ng Kalayaan pageant of Filipina beauty, brains, and talent will hold a coronation night on May 3, 7 p.m. to 12 a.m., at Double Tree by Hilton in Newark.

The Mrs. Kalayaan pageant, a mere popularity contest, was the brainchild of PIDCI President Fe Martinez. It was launched three years ago. This year’s coronation night will be held on April 12, 7 p.m. to 12 a.m., at Double Tree by Hilton Airport at 128 Frontage Road in Newark, New Jersey.

“These ladies are very beautiful; and each one is a staunch supporter of PIDCI’s mission to promote the rich historical and cultural heritage of Filipinos through the annual celebration of the Philippine Independence Day,” Martinez said.

First batch of Mrs. Kalayaan candidates: Michelle Loreto Llado, Lourdes Sardoma, Divina Rule. Photo by Oliver Oliveros