Paoay Teener Crowned Miss Ilocos Norte 2017

Nineteen-year-old Dianne Irish Lacayanga of Paoay town bested 22 other contestants in the annual search for Miss Ilocos Norte on Tuesday evening here.

Standing five feet and eight inches tall, the tourism management student of a Cordillera school is oozing with beauty and confidence as she claimed major awards during the contest. These include Best in Evening Gown, Best in Festival Terno and Best in Swimwear. She also emerged as second runner-up for Miss Photogenic.

Asked if she ever expected to win the crown, the former top 10 finalist of the Mutya ng Pilipinas 2016 said: “You have to claim it and have faith in God.”

As her parents separated in her early age, Lacayanga became independent and dreamed of becoming an international beauty queen.

Lacayanga’s father resides in Sitio Murmurangay, Nagbacalan village, Paoay town while her mother is based in Paniqui, Tarlac.

Earlier during the pageant, her participation to the Ilocos Norte pageant was questioned by some critics as she lives with her mom in Tarlac. She was also a former title holder of Miss Tarlac prior to her win as Miss Ilocos Norte, this year.

Responding to several criticisms, she thanked bashers and supporters for it gave her more courage to do her best.

“Thank you God for this. All glory to you. Rest assured that I will do my responsibilities for Ilocos Norte,” said Lacayanan as she bared plans to stay longer in the province to dig deeper on her Ilocano roots.

As the newly-crowned Miss Ilocos Norte, she is set to represent the province in various provincial government affairs particularly in education and tourism promotions. (LGA/PNA)