| By KAREN V. BERMEJO |

“I want to go back to the time before my father left my mom, because she can be a great wife.”

Such was the answer of Miss Iloilo Dinagyang 2012 Charmaine Grace Deatras when she was asked the final question: “If you will be given a chance to travel back in time who do you want to meet and why?”

Deatras’ parents separated when she was only five months old. Her father, Guillero Cencia is an engineer in Cuba who now has a family while her mother is Zina Deatras, a businesswoman.

In an earlier interview, she said that when she turned 18 years old last year, her birthday gift was a reunion with her father and his family in Manila.

Deatras bested nine other candidates during Wednesday’s pageant at the Rose Hall of the Central Philippine University, her very own school.

The pageant had beauty queens as judges: Miss Universe Gloria Diaz, Miss Universe 2011 third runner-up Shamcey Supsup, Miss Philippines Maria Isabel Lopez and Miss International 1973 first runner-up Evangeline Pascual.

The junior Bachelor of Science in Business Administration major in Marketing Management student of CPU bagged most of the corporate awards, like Miss Juicy Cologne, Miss Rebisco, Miss Air Philippines, Miss Efficacent Oil Extreme and the Darling of the Press.

She also got special awards like Best in Swimwear and Best in Talent.

Raised alone by her mother, Sham showed how she wanted having a complete family.

Deatras received P50,000 cash prize and a trip to Singapore from Air Philippines.

She will represent Iloilo in the Aliwan Festival in Manila on April.

Meanwhile, Angeli Orada, 20, a Bachelor of Science in Nursing graduate of University of San from Molo was adjudged first runner-up. She received P30,000 cash prize. Angeli is also Miss Congeniality and was adjudged Best in Long Gown.

Karla Dawn Yaneza, 21, a senior Broadcasting student of West Visayas State University is third runner-up. She received P20,000 cash prize. Her other awards were: Miss Negros Navigation Aboitiz Transport System, Miss Photogenic, Best in Fantasy Makeup and Best in Festival Costume.

Meanwhile, Eiseley Kyle Pragados 19 of Molo, a junior nursing student of CPU bagged four corporate awards - Miss Silka, Miss Perfect, Miss Lecit-e, Miss Casino Femme and Miss Ysa.

Liwayway Bernardo, 21 of Oton and a marketing staff of F&E group of companies, was adjudged Best in Production Number and Best in Casual Wear.

Other participating candidates were Rose Jabagat, 20 of Molo; Shane Ann Ballejo, 20 also of Molo; Claudine Marie Salmingo, 17; Arna Pescadera, 18, senior high school student of Zarraga National High School; and Janine Jacar, 20, a second year Bachelor of Arts Major in Political Science and Public Administration student at CPU.

The candidates were serenaded by television actor Franco Daza, while Pilipinas Got Talent finalist Synergy Aerial Dancers also rendered a heart stopping exhibition.

IMPROVED

The Miss Dinagyang coronation pageant was considered a reunion of the Philippines beauty queens in Iloilo City.

Gloria Diaz reiterated her first impression on the cleanliness of this southern city and lauded the Iloilo City Government for its efforts in keeping the city clean.

Diaz, chief judge in the selection and coronation of Miss Iloilo Dinagyang 2012 on Wednesday night, Jan. 18, said the city has also improved its traffic with the very noticeable smooth flow of vehicles along the main streets.

On the other hand, Shamcy Supsup said she is highly recommending the city and province as a rest and recreation area for visitors.

Supsup said the ambience and scenery upon landing at the Iloilo airport are far different from Metro Manila. She added that Ilonggos are a very friendly people and famous for their tasty food and pastries.

“Filipinos should not go far and wide to see tourist attractions in other countries because right here, we have many natural and man-made attractions to enjoy,” Supsup said.*with reports from Reychelle Gallenero and Fergie Daroy/PNA