THE CARNIVAL ENDS.

It's been a long journey from the day I picked up my first Manila Carnival photo--in Bangkok,Thailand, of all places, to starting this blog--and which culminated in the publication of a pictorial history book of titled Pampanga beauties. I hope, dear readers, that you have been entertained and informed through my postings. But alas, even good things have to end. Thank you to all my blog visitors and friends whom I've met along the way, including descendants of beauty queens featured here, fellow collectors, historians and beauty fans.

My Manila Carnival writing will live on, not just in this blog, but also in my book--"ARO, KATIMYAS DA! A Memory Album of Kapampangan beauties 1908-2012", a finalist in this year's National Book Awards, Leisure Category. It is available at the Holy Angel University, Angeles University (0458888691, ask for Center for Kapampangan Studies), or you can course your book orders through me . 

Again, salamat po, it's been 6 wonderful, beautiful years!

275. Carnival Beauties: MAGDA I, Queen of the 1928 Pasay Carnival

QUEEN MAGDALENA I. 1928 Pasay Carnival

Pasay was one of the 4 original cities of Manila. Due to its proximity and strategic location to Manila, it enjoyed brisk economic and commercial growth during the American Occupation. Spurred by the petit fairs held everywhere in the big city of Manila, Pasay launched its own Pasay Carnival on December 1928, with Queen Magda I, reigning as royalty at the fair.

274. Carnival Memento: 1933 MANILA CARNIVAL POSTER

 CARNIVAL TIME! Cast your work aside and get ready for the masked revelry at the Manila Carnival of 1933!!

A colorful 1933 Manila Carnival poster, printed on the front cover of The Sunday Tribune Magazine, possibly drawn by renown artist, Fernando Amorsolo. The Manila Carnival Commercial and Industrial Fair was held from 4-19 February 1933, climaxed by the coronation of the 1933 Miss Philippines, Engracia Laconico.

273. Queen of the 1929 Negros Oriental Carnival: VICTORINA ANTONIO

 V FOR VICTORY. Queen Victorina I, the fair queen of Negros, as she looked at her coronation night.

In 1929, Negros Oriental held a provincial fair to celebrate their foundation day and to mark their prosperity and progress, primarily driven by their sugar industry. Chosen to reign as was the lovely Victorina Antonio. As Queen of the Negros Oriental Carnival Fiesta, she ruled over 70,000 people for two week of festivities.

272. Carnival Activities: 1929 MISS PHILIPPINES AT THE ILOILO CARNIVAL

FULFILLING HER DUTIES. Pacita de los Reyes, queen-elect of the 1929 Manila Carnival, is feted at the 1929 Iloilo Carnival.

Miss Philippines of 1929, Pacita delos Reyes, was honored at the Iloilo Carnival in La Paz, Iloilo. Forming her court are members of the younger set of the Iloilo and Negros “Four Hundred”. Pacita’s September visit was auspicious as a few months later, she was succeeded by a young Ilongga beauty, Consuelo Acuña, 1930 Miss Philippines.

271. Carnival Beauties: CARMEN REESE, 1923 Baguio Carnival Princess

REESE AND FAMOUS. Mestiza-beauty, Carmen Reese of Baguio was part of the royal retnue of the Baguio Carnival of 1923.

Carmen Reese was a princess in the court of Queen Martina Salming, the reigning royal of the 1923 Baguio Carnival. Six years later, with her beauty in full bloom, Carmen was named as among Baguio’s candidates to the annual “Filipina Beautiful” of the Philippine Free Press. Other entrants were Adela Romero, Corazon Custodio and Rosita Moldero. Moldero, a Kalinga beauty from Labuangan, eventully clinched the 1929 Miss Luzon title of the prestigious newspaper contest.