BY ADRIAN NEMES III
www.visayandailystar.com

Despite the pressures joining the MassKara Queen 2009 pageant entail, these two girls said their families and friends inspired them not to give up.

Christine Daphne Villanueva, 19, said she does not want to disappoint her family and friends, so she is doing her best to win this year’s crown.

A fourth year Marketing Management student of the University of St. La Salle, Villanueva said she is a “first-timer” as far as joining beauty pageants is concerned, but said she can easily cope up with other contestants.

Villanueva, who likes hanging out with friends, eating and reading books, is also a poet. In joining MassKara Queen, she said she hopes to boost her self-confidence and build self-esteem.

Like Villanueva, Katrina Pearl Gomez, a first year Business Administration student from the Bacolod City College , said her family and friends keep her going.

Gomez, who is into playing volleyball, said the MassKara Queen search has changed a lot in her especially her study habits. She said the reason why she joined the pageant is that she wants to share her talents and prove that she can do something.

Villanueva, said to be a pride of Brgy. 1, stands 5 feet and 4 ¾ inches tall, while Gomez of Brgy. Taculing stands 5 feet and 4 inches tall.

Other candidates for this year’s search are Doanne Stephanie Peraren, Romelie Laura, Belinda Claire Thiel, Maria Aika Uy, Louella Suataron, Annhela Montilla, Patricia Anne Soto Po and Maria Adora Uy.

::MASSKARA QUEEN 2009 PICS::

::MASSKARA 2009 FESTIVAL SCHEDULE::

The candidates will showcase their talents on Sunday afternoon at the Gaisano City Bacolod Atrium area.*APN