“I am a writer and a bookworm, that is why this advocacy is something that is really close to my heart,” said Apolinar.

“According to studies,” she said, “recent survey showed that Filipino kids are low in reading comprehension and we need to do something to solve this.”

“Reading produces comprehension, then critical and logical thinking, and media literacy, then social awareness, and it becomes a domino effect,” she explained.

“If we are going to teach young kids to love reading, we are soon going to witness a generation that values truth and integrity,” said Apolinar.

During the coronation night, Apolinar only bagged the best in interview award but managed to sustain her momentum towards the crown.

“Aside from attending the daily practices with the rest of the candidates,” Apolinar said, “I also allot time within my day for pasarela training and public speaking sessions.”

“I remember practising my dance and walk from 8 am to 9 pm, and then answering random possible questions at 10 pm and after that, I'll do my school work,” she added.

Raihana Lamalan, 19 from Barangay Mindupok who represented the National Government Agencies won as the first runner up and bagged the best in production number, best in playsuit, miss Socoteco, miss catwalk and darling of the crowd awards.

On the other hand, Jenny Pearl Bringas who also hails from Barangay Malalag represented the Sangguniang Bayan members and won as the second runner up.

Apolinar is set to represent Maitum in the Pearl of Sarangani 2022 pageant this November during the province’s celebration of Munato Festival.

She will be competing against other representatives from the six other towns of the province. “I have more or less six months to prepare so I plan to tone down my body, enhance my speaking skills, and do everything that the Maitum Team believes that I should do to represent my municipality well,” Apolinar said.

Apolinar who is representing the Municipal Mayor’s Office expressed her gratitude to Mayor Alexander Bryan Reganit and all individuals “who in one way or another showed their support for me and became my source of strength.” (Joshua John S. Pantonial/SARANGANI PROVINCIAL INFORMATION OFFICE)

Photo by Martin Fernando Bernad Jr. taken during the Miss Maitum 2022 coronation night on May 30 at Maitum municipal gym.