Gng.Buntis 2019 and runners-up with Mayor Aida Macalinao. Photo by Ernie Esconde
SAMAL, Bataan — Thursday night was a night to remember in this farming and fishing town when 11 pregnant women like professional fashion models hit the improvised ramp adorned with flowers at the covered court here.
The young women represented their respective villages to vie for the title “Gng. Buntis 2019” as highlight for the celebration of Buntis Congress on its fifth year here to raise awareness on proper care of both the mother and the baby.
Loud cheers from the big crowd welcomed the candidates in their production number as they danced while once-in-a-while touching their belly showing signs of pregnancy. Organizers said the women were from five to nine months pregnant.
The pageant lasted from 7 p.m. to almost midnight but there was no sign of fatigue from both the candidates and their supporters.
The supporters wildly cheered as their candidate walked the ramp in casual wear and long gown and showed their talent.
Some sang and danced in fast tempo as if they were not pregnant. A Q&A portion followed where candidates were asked on what they learned from the lectures of rural health physicians, on the benefits of new born screening and even on what to do during a misunderstanding between family members.
During the pageant, two rural health doctors lectured on family planning and proper health care of mother and baby during pregnancy and after the mother gives birth.
A select panel of judges selected 20-year-old Rhycell Dario of Barangay East Calaguiman as Gng. Buntis 2019.
She is five months pregnant on her first child. Genalyn Dadural of Barangay San Juan was adjudged first runner-up while Jonalyn Oconer of Barangay Sta. Lucia got the second runner-up title.
Samal Mayor Aida Macalinao led in the crowning of the winners.
The Buntis Congress is a yearly project of the municipal government in coordination with the Samal Rural Health Center under Dr. Cristina Espino.
