The
search is over! Eight (8) lovely and very talented young ladies
competed to become the Miss Fil-Am 2009. It was a remarkable
show of talents, a gorgeous parade of Filipiniana gowns and
a battle of wits. One lady who won the hearts of the judges
and the audience went home with the crown ……
Click to enlarge...
PROCLAMATION
OF WINNERS
Miss DEJAH URBANOVITCH,
a 24-year old San Diego resident and cum laude graduate
of University Miami, Florida with Major in Political
Science and History, won the coveted title of MISS FIL-AM
2009. She also won other special awards.
Miss
Fil-Am 2009 Dejah was crowned by Miss Fil-Am 2005 Sherry
Dilag, trophy was given by Sgt Mark Lou Frederickson,
bouquet by Mrs. Fil-Am 2009 Nancy Ortiz and sash by
Pres. Rica Derosier. She will also receive $1,000 cash
prize.
FIRST
RUNNER-UP is the 18-year old resident of Oceanside,
Miss TATIANA ROBINSON. Sash and trophy were given by
Mrs. Fil-Am 2009 1st Runner-Up Jennylin Esguerra and
her son, Chris York. Bouquet was handed by Fil-Am Sec.
Belle Limoge. She will also be receiving $500 cash prize.
SECOND
RUNNER-UP is Miss ALYSSA ARJONA, a 16-year old junior
student of Mission Hills High School. Sash, trophy and
bouquet were given by Mrs. Fil-Am 2009 4th Runner-Up
Lucy Dickson and her husband Justin Awde, and Fil-Am
Dir. Zucette Lumabas. She will also be granted $200
cash prize.
PRESENTATION
OF SPECIAL AWARDS
PEOPLE'S
CHOICE AWARD - Miss MARY DICKSON, 16-year old Vista
resident and a San Marcos High School student, garnered
the highest votes from the audience to win this award.
Her trophy was given by Dir. Dee Weber.
MISS
CONGENIALITY - Miss DEJAH URBANOVITCH was voted by her
fellow candidates as Miss Congeniality. Sash and trophy
was given to her Mrs. Fil-Am 2009 4th Runner-Up Lucy
Awde and Mrs. Fil-Am 2009 Nancy Ortiz.
BEST
TALENT - Miss DEJAH URBANOVITCH won the award by doing
the Escrima (Arnis de Mano), a form of Filipino martial
arts. She is also a 2nd Black Belter in Tae Kwan Do
(inset)(jon, pakilagay mo either pix no. 111 o 110 -
mas maganda sana yung pix 111 pero kung blurred pix
no. 110). Sash and trophy were handed by Mrs. Fil-Am
2009 1st Runner-Up Jennylin Esguerra and Dir. Wendy
Abon.
MOST
PHOTOGENIC - Miss DEJAH URBANOVITCH won the judges pick
to win the Most Photogenic in this headshot .
BEST
TERNO - Miss DEJAH URBANOVITCH received the Best Terno
award with the gown she designed using a dramatic combination
of yellow and black satin accentuated with flowers and
feathers and a unique top using Philippine material
called sinamai cloth.(see inset)(jhon, lagay mo yung
pix 144, 203) Sash and trophy were given Mrs. Fil-Am
2008 1st Runner-Up Virgie Flemming and Mrs. Fil-Am 2009
Nancy Ortiz.
Each candidate is considered
winner in their own right. The candidates are presented
with participation trophies by the Little Miss Fil-Am 2009
and Miss Pre-teen 2009 winners and little angels.
PROMENADE
AND FAREWELL WALK OF MISS FIL-AM 2005
Miss Fil-Am 2005 SHERRY DILAG made her farewell walk and
speech.
One of the distinguished
guests is Oceanside Councilmember Jerry Kern with Miss
Teen Tri-city 2007 Angelica Ruiz.
Miss Fil-Am 2005 Sherry
Dilag relaxes before the program starts.
Tabulators headed by
Vangie Soliman (left) under the supervision of a CPA volunteer
(right) had brought a very quick and smooth tabulation
of the pageant's results.
Little Miss Fil-Am 2009
Runner-Ups Jeanelle Serquina and Eurice McNeal are all smiles
and ready to do their part in the program.
Thanks for these Marines
who will escort our beautiful candidates.
Fil-Am Cultural Dancers
Cita Lime and Delia Serquina posed for a break with the
crowd, in their "Banga" dance costume.
Asst. Sec. Anthony Fulmore
provided the sound system for the event.
Sec. Belle Limoge, Auditor
Enri Fulmore and Treas. Malou Hamto took a break before
the pageant starts and do their multi-tasks.
Registration table headed
by Dir. Zucette Lumabas (far right).
Ted
T. Lintan Presently residing in Oceanside, California.Born
and raised in Malvar, Batangas, Philippines.Finished High
School at La Salle, Lipa City , Batangas, Phils.Earned my
Bachelor of Science in Bus.Administration,Major in Marketing
at the University of the East, Manila, Phils. Sales Trainer
: American Salesmasters , Manila, Philippines,World Book
Educational Products, Chicago, Ilinois. Married to Victoria
Luzon- Lintan for 30 years Children : Richard , 29 years
old and Crystal, 21 years old. Worked for World Book educational
Products for 20 years as a Division Manager. Current position
: Administrator for Victoria Caregivers.Passion : Working
with people Motto: " If it is to be.... it is up to
me " Hobbies: Reading, singing , serving the Church
and emceeing different events
Janis
Leahy The first Fil-Am vocalist to grace dance
music with her vocals/songwriting, Janis Leahy is hard at
work on her debut album. She has worked with some of electronic
music's finest producers (Deep Dish, Armin Van Buuren, Dean
Coleman, and her newest partner - Starkillers). She has
performed at venues all over the world, especially after
touring with the incredibly talented singer/songwriter Nadia
Ali (of Iio) in places like Montreal, Los Angeles, and Egypt.
She also stays connected with her Filipino roots whenever
possible. In 2007, she won Ms. Fil-Am Idol. She is also
working with Raf Toledo (of the Filipino-based band The
Speaks) on a duet to be featured on her album. Find more
information about her on her website, which is www.JanisLeahy.com
or www.myspace.com/JanisLeahy
Beverly
Pestano, a soprano, has performed the roles of
Gretel in Humperdinck’s Hansel and Gretel with Opera
Theater of the Rockies, Peaseblossom in Britten’s A Midsummer
Night’s Dream and Ida in Strauss’ Die Fledermaus
with Boston Conservatory Theater Company. Partial roles includes
Nerone in L’incoronazione di Poppea, Sophie in Der Rosenkavalier
Susanna in Le Nozze di Figaro with Boston Conservatory Theater
Company and Opera Colorado. In 2008, Ms Pestano made her chamber
performance debut singing Beethoven’s Egmont arias and
Handel’s Messiah with the Chamber Orchestra of the Springs.
Beverly has also participated in Francis Fest, an art song
recital festival featuring the complete songs of Francis Poulenc,
with Boston’s prestigious Florestan Recital Project.
She holds a Bachelors of Music in Opera Performance, Cum laude
from the Boston Conservatory, and currently resides in San
Diego with her husband and her son.
Rodel Hamto has won several singing competitions
both here in the US and in the Philippines. He was a 3rd Place
Winner of Tawag Ng Tanghalan USA in 1998 and 1st Place Winner
of Battle of the Champions 1999. He was also a finalist of
North County Idol in 2007. He currently sings with the Trinity
Choir of Mission San Luis Rey Parish in Oceanside. Rodel sings
for wedding, debut, birthday, even for funeral when booked
for a performance.
Alex
Pura , 34 yrs old, married with Renita Pura , have
3 beautiful daughters and a good looking son, owner of Bonair
Rest Home on Vista. Alex has been an avid supporter of the
organization, had done a lot for the community…
Andrea
Silva is 11 years old from San Diego. She
will be in 6th grade this coming school year at Jean Farb
Middle School. She started singing at a very young age and
has competed in several local talent competitions. She excellently
sang “ The Climb” by Miley Cyrus
FIL-AM CULTURAL DANCE GROUP was created in April this year.
It is composed of FIL-AM members, including young boys and
girls. The Committee is composed of Auditor Enri Fulmore and
Sec. Belle Limoge. One of its objectives is to represent the
FIL-AM organization in different events as ambassadors of
goodwill and to teach the young learn and appreciate Filipino
cultural dances.
The presentation of
candidates started with their brief introduction about themselves.
Starting with this segment of the pageant until the last
part of the competition which is the Question-and-Answer,
the judges will evaluate the candidates of their beauty,
poise and personality.
ALYSSA
ARJONA
MARY
JERRY DICKSON
TATIANA
ROBINSON
VANESSA SILVA
OFIE
SILVA
KIMBERLY SIVAGE
ANGELICA
TOLENTINO
DEJAH
URBANOVITCH
Highlight of the presentation
of the candidates is the highly entertaining hip-hop group
dance choreographed by Efren Abieta, Jr. of Carlsbad Dance
Center. These beautiful ladies performed to the delight
of the audience.
It was an exhibition
of variety of talents - singing, dancing, acting to escrima.
The judges will decide which presentation has the uniqueness,
difficulty, creativity, audience impact and overall exceptional
presentation.
ALYSSA ARJONA'S rendition of "At Last"
by Etta James
MARY JERRY DICKSON'S modern jazz dance routine
TATIANA ROBINSON'S interpretation of the Filipino
song "Kapalaran" ("Fate")
VANESSA SILVA'S modern dance medley of Filipino
songs
The elegant ladies,
escorted by Marines, paraded wearing the Philippine Terno,
a gown or a matching skirt and blouse (the Spanish word
"terno" means to match) which is distinctively
characterized by the clipped butterfly sleeves. The judges
will choose a candidate who exhibits best how this Philippine
national dress became a world-class high fashion statement.
ALYSSA ARJONA
MARY JERRY DICKSON
TATIANA ROBINSON
VANESSA SILVA
OFIE SILVA
KIMBERLY SIVAGE
ANGELICA TOLENTINO
DEJAH URBANOVITCH wearing her own-designed
Philippine Terno won the Best Gown award.
The question-and-answer
portion of the competition determines who among the eight
(8) candidates has the wits, confidence and poise in handling
on-the-spot questions. The interview also reveals further
their personality.
The lovely candidates
were serenaded by Alex Pura as the Little Miss Fil-Am 2009
and Miss Pre-teen 2009 and her court, and little angels
offer them roses.
For weeks, the candidates
were trained by Pam Pahnke and Elegance Talent Agency.
In Carlsbad how to improve their pose and talents, handle
themselves in oral interview, exudes confidence and elegance.
The great techniques and teamwork of Pam and had made
the candidates' experiences and learning process easy
and fun.
A group dance presentation
of the candidates is one of the highlights of the program.
The hip-hop dance was choreographed by Efren Abiera Jr.
of Carlsbad Dance Center. The ladies were quick to learn
the steps in a few weeks. It was an "exercise"
for the candidates to interact with each other and work
as a team.
ALYSSA
ARJONA is
a 16 year-old from Escondido. She will be a junior
this coming school year at Mission Hills High School.
She is a member of a Travel volleyball team, track
and field, All Hip-Hop Varsity team and attends acting
and modeling school.
Parents: Marcelino and Monina Arjona
Favorite Quote: "Listen to your heart, not your
mind"
Talent: Sing a Song titled "At last" by
Etta James
SECOND
RUNNER-UP
MARY
JERRY DICKSON -
is a 16 year-old from Vista. She will be a junior
this coming school year at San Marcos High School.
She's a member of Cross Country Track, Dance Team
and Marching Band.
Parents: Justin Awde and Lucile Dickson-Awde
Favorite Quote: "What's in a name? That which
we call a rose by any other word, would smell as sweet-
Shakespeare( Romeo and Juliet)"
Talent: Medley of Dance Routine
PEOPLES'
CHOICE AWARD WINNER
TATIANA
ROBINSON
- is a 18 year-old from Oceanside. She recently graduated
from Angelo Rodriguez High School. She will attend
Palomar College this fall to Major in Business. She
has performed at iPOP LA in 2006, iPOP Las Vegas in
2007 and was a Top Ten Finalist at iSing competition.
Parents: Heriberto and Chanita Robinson
Favorite Quote: " To beautiful eyes, look for
the good of others, to beautiful lips, speak only
words of kindness , and for poise walk with the knowledge
you are never alone"
Talent: Sing a Filipino Song titled " Kapalaran"
("Fate")
SFIRST
RUNNER-UP
VANESSA SILVA-
is a year-old old from San Diego. She currently works
at Rainbow Day Care Center in San Diego. Her goal
is to become a Nurse so she can help sick people get
better. She loves shopping, hang out with her family
and friends and watch the Filipino Channel.
Parents: Enrique and Mary Jean Silva
Favorite Quote: If you don't look back where you're
from, you will never get to where you're going
Talent: Dance Medley of Filipino Songs
OFIE
SILVA
- is a 20 year-old from San Diego. She currently works
at Rainbow Day Care Center. Her goal is to become
a grade school teacher. Her hobbies are shopping,
spending time with her family and friends and watch
the Filipino channel
Parents: Enrique and Mary Jean Silva
Favorite Quote: For every moment that you were truly
happy, there are ten moments of sadness"
Talent: Dance Routine
KIMBERLY SIVAGE - is
a 20 year-old from Oceanside. She currently attends
Mira Costa College for general education then will
proceed to a university to Major in Child Development.
Attended Acting and Modeling school in the past and
had been casted in 3 commercials. She volunteers at
Old Mission Montessori School on her spare time.
Parents: Johnny and Jill Sivage
Favorite Quote: "All your dreams can come true,
if you have the courage to pursue them"-Walt
Disney
Talent: Monologue
ANGELICA
TOLENTINO -
is a 16 year-old from Oceanside. She will be a junior
this coming school year at El Camino High School.
She is a 2nd degree Black Belter in karate, she attends
Hip-Hop, Tahitian and Cultural dance class at Dance
Unlimited studio.
Parents: Fred and Maria Tolentino
Favorite Quote: " If you have a goal or ambition,
don't just think of it, don't just
wish for it, go for it and do it"
Talent: Tahitian Dance
DEJAH
URBANOVITCH -
is a 24 year-old from San Diego. She graduated Cum
Laude at University of Miami, Florida with Major in
Political Science and History. A Duchess of Monroe
County, Florida, 2nd Degree Black Belter in Tae kwon
Do. She loves cooking, arts and crafts on her spare
time.
Parents: Joseph Urbanovitch and Tessie Dela Cruz
Favorite Quote: " Arete" Ancient Greek for
Striving for full potential.
Talent Escrima ( Arnis de Mano) a form of a Filipino
Martial arts
MISS
FIL-AM 2009
BEST TALENT
BEST GOWN
MOST PHOTOGENIC
MISS CONGENIALITY
Dawn
Jennifer Julia Clark-
was born in Antigua, West Indies, to Mr. and Mrs. Alva
James. She’s one of four girls born into this family
and resided in ST. Croix, US Virgin Island. The British
young lady, moved to sunny Californiaon on June 11,
1984 and have lived here since then. She continued her
education by attending Rio Hondo Community College,
Mount San Antonio Community and finally, University
of Phoenix. She graduated on June 2, 2001 with a BS
degree in Business Information System. She’s currently
employed, as the Business Office Manager, at Vista Knoll
Specialized Care for Ensign Group. Mrs. Clark is a member
of NAFE( National Association of Female Executive),
which is one of the largest professional organizations
for women in the world. During her young adult years,
she followed her passion, which was modeling. She attended
Studio Seven Fashion Career College, in West Covin,
CA. and graduated in June 1988. Mrs. Clark participated
and modeled for various companies and was chosen 3rd
runner-up as a contestant for “Kevin Collins Foundation
for Missing Children”. She was also chosen as a
finalist for a hair competition show in December 1989
and March 1990. She is married for almost 20 years to
Mr. Richard Clark, a correctional Officer at RJ Donovan
Correctional Facility and an air National Guard Reservist.
They have 3 daughters, Ojanique 17 years old, Keshwan
15 years old and DeShell 8 years old. Spending time
with her family is very important to Mrs. Clark and
she will cherish those memories forever.
Joy
Dioquino-Smith – A Filipino “Southern
belle”, raised in Ashville, North Carolina. Joy
was mesmerized by beauty contest shown on TV when she
was a little girl growing up in the south. All of the
contestants were beautiful and talented. So, breaking
the barriers of race and culture, Joy entered her hometown
pageant and was the first Filipino-American girl to
enter the “Little Miss McDowell pageant” in
rural North Carolina. She was just 10 years old. Even
though Joy didn’t win, she placed first runner
in the pageant. Her Jazz dance routine and beautiful
gowns made in the Philippines wowed the audience. She
owes that positive experience to many of her personal
and professional achievements. Joy is a graduate from
Appalachian State University, Bachelor of Science in
Psychology and National Louis University, Master of
Education. She is currently working as a Director of
Business development for Plum Healthcare ,LLC. Joy serves
as a volunteer member of the Tri-City Foundation at
Tri City Medical Center. She is also a member of the
Circle of Life 100, a women’s organization that
advocates for health education and philantrophy for
Scripps Memorial Hospital-Encinitas. Joy is married
to Darrin Smith, President of Value Partner,LLC and
has one son, Colin who is a sophomore at Tesoro High
School. They currently reside in Orange County, CA.
Jim
Guschl –
is a Nursing Home administrator in Pheonix, Arizona.
He is also the chairman of the Ensign Foundation, a
non-profit organization that was established to help
seniors in the communities. Jim has travelled to different
provinces in the Philippines and has loved the people
and the culture. He was one of the judges at the talent
show during the most recent Philippine Independence
day Celebration in Phoenix, Arizona. He wishes all the
candidates the best.
Cynthia
Michelle Millan –
is a resident of Carlsbad, CA. She is married to Steve
Millan and has one son, Bryce who is seven years old.
She is a graduate of California State University Dominguez
Hills with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and a
Minor in Sociology. She has been a Social Worker for
nearly 10 years. She currently works as a Social Service
Director/Discharge Planner in one of the most prestigious
Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitations in North San Diego
County ( Vista Knoll Specialized Care). She wishes all
candidates good luck and congratulations.
Blessie Trott –
is married to Weldon Trott. She has 4 children Sheila,
Phillip, James and Mark. She is a graduate of Far Eastern
University with a degree of Bachelor of Arts , Major in
Sociology.
She is the reigning
Mrs. RP Tourism San Diego and Ambassadress of Goodwill
2008-2009. She is a Charter President of San Diego Executive
Lions Club, past Region Chair and District President
District
301D2 in 1991-1992.
She is an active member of Escondido Host Lions Club.
She is an active civic servant, having organized and
sponsored Smokey Mountain Children performances in San
Diego for three years though the help of President Gloria
Macapagal Arroyo, who sponsored their plane fare from
the Philippines to Los Angeles.Smokey mountain is one
place in Manila, Philippines where the poorest among
the poor lives and whose main occupation is scavenging.
She enjoys doing volunteer work in her community.
Ted
T. Lintan Presently residing in Oceanside, California.Born
and raised in Malvar, Batangas, Philippines.Finished High
School at La Salle, Lipa City , Batangas, Phils.Earned my
Bachelor of Science in Bus.Administration,Major in Marketing
at the University of the East, Manila, Phils. Sales Trainer
: American Salesmasters , Manila, Philippines,World Book
Educational Products, Chicago, Ilinois. Married to Victoria
Luzon- Lintan for 30 years Children : Richard , 29 years
old and Crystal, 21 years old. Worked for World Book educational
Products for 20 years as a Division Manager. Current position
: Administrator for Victoria Caregivers.Passion : Working
with people Motto: " If it is to be.... it is up to
me " Hobbies: Reading, singing , serving the Church
and emceeing different events
Janis
Leahy The first Fil-Am vocalist to grace dance
music with her vocals/songwriting, Janis Leahy is hard at
work on her debut album. She has worked with some of electronic
music's finest producers (Deep Dish, Armin Van Buuren, Dean
Coleman, and her newest partner - Starkillers). She has
performed at venues all over the world, especially after
touring with the incredibly talented singer/songwriter Nadia
Ali (of Iio) in places like Montreal, Los Angeles, and Egypt.
She also stays connected with her Filipino roots whenever
possible. In 2007, she won Ms. Fil-Am Idol. She is also
working with Raf Toledo (of the Filipino-based band The
Speaks) on a duet to be featured on her album. Find more
information about her on her website, which is 
Beverly
Pestano, a soprano, has performed the roles of
Gretel in Humperdinck’s Hansel and Gretel with Opera
Theater of the Rockies, Peaseblossom in Britten’s A Midsummer
Night’s Dream and Ida in Strauss’ Die Fledermaus
with Boston Conservatory Theater Company. Partial roles includes
Nerone in L’incoronazione di Poppea, Sophie in Der Rosenkavalier
Susanna in Le Nozze di Figaro with Boston Conservatory Theater
Company and Opera Colorado. In 2008, Ms Pestano made her chamber
performance debut singing Beethoven’s Egmont arias and
Handel’s Messiah with the Chamber Orchestra of the Springs.
Beverly has also participated in Francis Fest, an art song
recital festival featuring the complete songs of Francis Poulenc,
with Boston’s prestigious Florestan Recital Project.
She holds a Bachelors of Music in Opera Performance, Cum laude
from the Boston Conservatory, and currently resides in San
Diego with her husband and her son.
Dawn
Jennifer Julia Clark-
was born in Antigua, West Indies, to Mr. and Mrs. Alva
James. She’s one of four girls born into this family
and resided in ST. Croix, US Virgin Island. The British
young lady, moved to sunny Californiaon on June 11,
1984 and have lived here since then. She continued her
education by attending Rio Hondo Community College,
Mount San Antonio Community and finally, University
of Phoenix. She graduated on June 2, 2001 with a BS
degree in Business Information System. She’s currently
employed, as the Business Office Manager, at Vista Knoll
Specialized Care for Ensign Group. Mrs. Clark is a member
of NAFE( National Association of Female Executive),
which is one of the largest professional organizations
for women in the world. During her young adult years,
she followed her passion, which was modeling. She attended
Studio Seven Fashion Career College, in West Covin,
CA. and graduated in June 1988. Mrs. Clark participated
and modeled for various companies and was chosen 3rd
runner-up as a contestant for “Kevin Collins Foundation
for Missing Children”. She was also chosen as a
finalist for a hair competition show in December 1989
and March 1990. She is married for almost 20 years to
Mr. Richard Clark, a correctional Officer at RJ Donovan
Correctional Facility and an air National Guard Reservist.
They have 3 daughters, Ojanique 17 years old, Keshwan
15 years old and DeShell 8 years old. Spending time
with her family is very important to Mrs. Clark and
she will cherish those memories forever. 
Joy
Dioquino-Smith – A Filipino “Southern
belle”, raised in Ashville, North Carolina. Joy
was mesmerized by beauty contest shown on TV when she
was a little girl growing up in the south. All of the
contestants were beautiful and talented. So, breaking
the barriers of race and culture, Joy entered her hometown
pageant and was the first Filipino-American girl to
enter the “Little Miss McDowell pageant” in
rural North Carolina. She was just 10 years old. Even
though Joy didn’t win, she placed first runner
in the pageant. Her Jazz dance routine and beautiful
gowns made in the Philippines wowed the audience. She
owes that positive experience to many of her personal
and professional achievements. Joy is a graduate from
Appalachian State University, Bachelor of Science in
Psychology and National Louis University, Master of
Education. She is currently working as a Director of
Business development for Plum Healthcare ,LLC. Joy serves
as a volunteer member of the Tri-City Foundation at
Tri City Medical Center. She is also a member of the
Circle of Life 100, a women’s organization that
advocates for health education and philantrophy for
Scripps Memorial Hospital-Encinitas. Joy is married
to Darrin Smith, President of Value Partner,LLC and
has one son, Colin who is a sophomore at Tesoro High
School. They currently reside in Orange County, CA.
