Grace, talent, and wit—Centralian Demi Patria Jainga won the coveted title of Miss Iloilo Dinagyang 2018 “Golden Girl” during the Miss Iloilo Dinagyang Coronation Night held at the University of San Agustin Gymnasium on January 21, 2018. Jainga, a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology graduate of CPU, bested 12 other candidates. Aside from triumphantly bringing home the crown, Jainga was also awarded the Best in Swimwear and the Best in Interview and she received various corporate nods: Miss Rebisco Choco Mucho, Miss Next Level Fitness Gym, Miss Glutamax, Miss Air Asia, Miss Manulife Philippines, Miss Earth, Water, and Fire Spa and Miss 2Go Express. She also got the Best in Festival Costume Award for the special awards.

In answer to the final question, “Why is it so important for you to win Miss Iloilo Dinagyang?” Jainga said that, for her, “being Miss Iloilo Dinagyang is not just about the title. It’s not just about being a beauty queen. Miss Iloilo Dinagyang is about being the voice that [speaks]… not just about Miss Iloilo Dinagyang but about Iloilo City. Miss Iloilo Dinagyang is to be an advocate of Ilonggos so that they’d be aware of our rich culture and heritage.” Jainga’s answer captured the favor of the judges as well as that of the crowd and helped her clinch the title.

Representing the Municipality of Pavia and Central Philippine University, she has made her kasimanwas and the Centralian community proud with her achievements.

In 2012, Jainga was crowned as Miss CPU 1^st Runner Up and Pavia CCF Queen in 2013. During her stay in the university, she was part of the CPU Golden Lions Women’s Volleyball Team.

This is not the first time that a Centralian has won the Miss Dinagyang title. Vanessa Ann Ka’ihilani Caro was also crowned Miss Dinagyang 2016 and Merry Grace R. Tubelleja won Ms. Iloilo Dinagyang 2017 Iloilo City.