"After six years, the crown is back to Tagbilaran City," exclaims pageant interview host Raul Philip Gatal as he announces the winner of Miss Bohol 2015 during the coronation night held last Saturday, July 18.

Eda reacts after being called as Miss Bohol 2015

Mary Eda Cimafranca, the unstoppable beauty from the City of Friendship, who I predicted to be the eventual winner of this year's beauty bout (read my prediction here), secures for Tagbilaran the crown that eluded it for six long years. Proving her front runner status is her proclamation as Best in Talent, Best in Swimsuit, and Best in Evening Gown, which are the three of the four components in determining the Top 10.

Eda was crowned by Bohol Governor Edgar M. Chatto together with his wife, Balilihan Vice Mayor and Miss Bohol Chair Pureza and Miss Bohol 2014 Queenie Melody Fullante

Miss Tagbilaran had the lion's share of the 24 special and corporate awards handed out during the coronation night, including the three aforementioned special awards, with 12.  The special awardees are as follows:

Miss Giv Beauy Award*** – Miss Balilihan, Pauleen Quiñal
Miss Hyundai - Miss Talibon, Mae Regil Versoza
Miss Renaissance Spa - Miss Tagbilaran, Mary Eda Cimafranca
Miss Ocean Suites - Miss Alicia, Erin Kate Javellana
Miss Save n' Earn - Miss Baclayon, Imaculada Cleofe Leopardas
Miss myPhone - Miss Baclayon, Imaculada Cleofe Leopardas
Miss Body Beautiful - Miss Tagbilaran, Mary Eda Cimafranca
Designer's Choice Award* - Miss Panglao, Charmaine Ness Sagaral
Miss Bellevue - Miss Tagbilaran, Mary Eda Cimafranca
Miss Ramasola Viewer's Choice - Miss Tagbilaran, Mary Eda Cimafranca
Miss 2Go Travel - Miss Guindulman, Ma. Jaira Redulla
Miss Super Pack - Miss Tagbilaran, Mary Eda Cimafranca
Miss South Palms - Miss Tagbilaran, Mary Eda Cimafranca
Miss Cignal - Miss Jagna, Ma. Rhea Rebecca Rocha
Miss SMART Texters Choice - Miss Tagbilaran, Mary Eda Cimafranca
Miss Hennan - Miss Tagbilaran, Mary Eda Cimafranca
Darling of the Press - Miss Tagbilaran, Mary Eda Cimafranca
Darling of Social Media - Miss Alicia, Erin Kate Javellana
Best in Production Number - Miss Jagna, Ma. Rhea Rebecca Rocha
Best in Talent** - Miss Tagbilaran, Mary Eda Cimafranca
Miss Friendship - Miss Talibon, Mae Regil Versoza
Best in Swimsuit - Miss Tagbilaran, Mary Eda Cimafranca
Best in Evening Gown - Miss Tagbilaran, Mary Eda Cimafranca
Miss Photogenic - Miss Dimiao, Breza Gayle Balighot
Miss JCI Chocolate Hills - Miss Talibon, Mae Regil Versoza
---* the standout candidate during the Mikee Andrei Bridal Show for the Miss Bohol 2015 Gala Night last July 13 at Bellevue Resort
---** was judged during the Talent Competition held last July 12 at the Bohol Cultural Center
---*** was awarded during the Talent Night held last July 12 at the Bohol Cultural Center
You can read the story on the Talent Night here.

Rounding up the winner's circle this year are: first runner-up Mae Regil Versoza, Miss Talibon; second runner-up Charlaine Radoc; third runner-up Ma. Rhea Rebecca Rocha, Miss Jagna; and, fourth runner-up Ma. Jaira Redulla, Miss Guindulman.

All 23 candidates competed in three categories: swimsuit, evening gown, and casual interview.  They went under the scrutiny of a panel of judges from different fields and professions, which includes Miss Philippines Earth 2015 Angelia Ong, Mutya ng Pilipinas Asia-Pacific 2014 Eva Psychee Patalingjug, and the representative of the Lone District of Pasig City, Hon. Roman Romulo and his wife, Valenzuela City councilor Shalani Soledad-Romulo.

The beauty queen judges Mutya ng Pilipinas Asia-Pacific 2014 Eva Psychee Patalingjug (far left) and Miss Philippines Earth 2015 Angelia Ong with this year's top five (from L-R): Guindulman, Jagna, Tagbilaran, Talibon, and Tubigon

Miss Panglao Charmaine Ness Sagaral, Miss Baclayon Immaculada Cleofe Leopardas, Miss Cortes Katrina November Decker, Miss Corella Jissa Baugbog and Miss Dauis Shiela Estareja completed the list of Top 10 finalists who answered the common final question: "As a young Boholana, what is your vision of Bohol and how do you plan to pursue this vision?"

"I envision a strong Bohol that withstands adversities.  I stand for youth empowerment and be the best example for my fellow you," answered Miss Tagbilaran.  She also made mention of being a passionate advocate of education, completing her question by syaing "Education is the basis for success."

Eda Cimafranca succeeded Queenie Melody Fullante who held the year for one full year.  Queenie, along with other Miss Bohol winners were honored during the show, one of the main highlights of the show.  Showing up on stage along with Queenie are: Miss Bohol 1951.

Highlighting the event is the rare reunion of some of the best beauties in the province that was named Miss Bohol. Gracing the pageant night were (L-R) Ma. Teresita Abueva (1951), Idy Cagas (2012), Farrah Faye Mian (2011), Queenie Melody Fullante (2014), Melanie Wallace (2000), Cherry May Bacarro (2002), and Elizabeth Anana (1988)

Celebrity guests performances by Kris Angelica, Jason Fernandez, and Teejay Marquez eased the tension inside the gymnasium.  The entire event was hosted by model and PBB Celebrity Edition 2 4th Big Placer Will Devaughn with Starstruck Batch 4 1st Princess and Bb. Pilipinas 2009 1st Runner-up Rich Asuncion.

Eda is the third beauty queen in her family with her two older sisters Mary Elaine and Mary Ebone being hailed as Miss Dauis 2013 (the town's representative in the 2013 Miss Bohol pageant) and Miss Bohol International 2012, respectively.  She will become the goodwill ambassadress of the province for one year.

Miss Bohol: A Cooking Show?
An unexpected turn of events happened during the coronation when all of a sudden, the delegate from Tagbilaran who eventually captured the crown was booed.  And although it has been more than a week since Eda Cimafranca was crowned, the issue of Miss Bohol 2015 being a "cooking show" and the results rigged in favor of the City's bet has not yet died down.

Perhaps the organizers want it the issue to die a natural death, hence, their silence.  However, in defense to the young lady the judges has objectively chosen to represent the Boholana women and the cause of the Miss Bohol pageant, an official statement, I think, won't hurt. No need to show the scoresheet, as what one netizen was asking.  Coming to Eda's defense and addressing the public is perhaps the best way.  Whether the bashers accept it or not is up to them.


The 16-year-old Miss Bohol has great challenges ahead of her in the fulfillment of her duties as Miss Bohol. Her predecessor, Queenie Melody Fullante, has lived such a fruitful reign and is a tough act to follow.  But more than that, Eda is set on a great mission: to capture the hearts of those who doubted her win.  Knowing Eda and her winning spirit, I know she will do well!