LUNIJO’S MISS GRAND CONTINENTAL QUEEN CANADA PAGEANT A CLASS OF ITS OWN

By Li Eron
Durham Region-ON-Canada
August 24, 2016



This year's Taste of Manila in Bathurst Street disrupted traffic in a good way for it being one of North America's biggest Filipino Street Festival. Tempers were flaring yesterday as this event wrapped up for another year as traffic detours were in place.

Fienness Mendoza who was performing at her given slot at Taste of Manila was able to rest at Dari & Rex Figueroa's apartment just along Bathurst Street where I left my car. We have a nice lunch with our friend, Josh Cuasay. Eaglet was sleeping like a disoriented chicken sitting on the couch. You know her she is passionate about her singing career she won't lie down for a nap because her make- up artist (Pinta) instructed her not to mess up her up do. This is also to say that she won't drink water without a straw as per Pinta instruction. Something we quietly argue at the holding room at Taste of Manila. Here's what I say, "You mean, you'd allow dehydration if there is no straw?" Her mom did find a straw almost the size of a cigar.

Lunijo-winners

It was a necessary rest because in the evening, Fienness is to lend her support to a friend, Maisie Floriano, who was a contender for LUNIJO's Miss Grand Continental Queen Canada 2016. I was maneuvering the car through a heavy traffic along Wilson Street then turn a wrong way in Bathurst trying to find the venue. I look at the Eaglet at the back seat and you can imagine how she looks. I know what will come next, "How did you pass your driver's test?" Well I insist that I was able to maneuver the car. "Yeah, you still nearly got us killed."

When we finally get into a parking area, there was a young man carrying a little sign that reads, "LUNIJO" so I parked. There was a sign, "$7 for a parking..." I guess I did not finish reading it because actually it was $7/ hour. I'm used to hearing whispers like, "Tita, can you even read?" It's always forgiven. There is no way I am going to drive a one way street again. I started venting some litanies like putting the Organizers at task to hold events where guests can park conveniently because when I organized events- the parking spot for the guests is my priority.

But I live in Durham Region where you can park your car under a tree and this is Toronto. The young man was very polite. Fatigue can really ruin your moods. When we went into the building, a sign reads, "Follow the orange circles or something...." I think it was cute. Here is LUNIJO's invited performer jumping on every circle until we reached the reception area where a very refined gentleman shook my hand introducing himself as, "Jonathan De Leon..." I like him because his personality reflects he is a very educated man.

Elsa Pastor who invited us was nowhere but we were politely ushered inside. Filipinos, we are born with so many qualities, both intriguing and not. As soon as we tried sitting on empty seats, the people on that row reacted heavily because those were already assigned to people. Well, how do we know when there was no reserved sign on it? A simple "Sorry, these seats are already occupied." No need to flex muscle. Of course we can retreat if we are told nicely and so my mercury was rising as well.

Ms. Elsa Pastor was at the receiving end and was trying to find us our seats. Stuff like this, putting up with other guests is what prevented me from attending events. It's not the organizers fault but some of our attitudes when we are on events must be a little tamed.

Except for some little flares, LUNIJO presented a well prepared production. This is my second attendance to their events and I love it. You can also see the Organizers are wonderful people. Mr. Jonathan De Leon brings charm ad calm especially on events like this where the ability to lead and managed a live show is daunting task and he passed with flying colors.

Miss Grand Continental Queen Canada 2016 was a class. Something that you will not let distractions robbed you from your focus on what's on stage. At the onset, while the cheering of one candidate was deafening, my choice that evening was as accurate as reading my daily horoscope. It was clear in my perspective who should win the title.

I am not patronizing, but MAISIE FLORIANO was undeniably a stand out. Her precise movements and confidence was crystal clear. You know how a candidate glides with calmness and precision and Maisie Floriano undeniably floated that evening making her the crowned "Miss Grand Continental Queen Canada 2016" and this time the judges wear their appropriate glasses.

With what I saw last night, LUNIJO is slowly making a name in the world of Beauty Pageants and Fashion. It's time to check on LUNIJO's Calendar of events. Oh, no....I am not endorsing LUNIJO for a fee. This is my own opinion based on my experience with two of their events.

What about the prior discontent? Well, that was a parking lot issue and the seats. I guess I need to build a mindset before I start my car, "Hang on tight. I am going to Toronto!" LUNIJO has nothing to do with that!

​Candidates and Results:
Mini Miss Grand Continental Queen Canada 2016—Winner
MEASHA PADILLA

1st Runner Up
YZABELLA FLORES

2nd Runner Up
EMMA DIOR REFUERZO

Little Miss Grand Continental Queen Canada 2016 - Winner
KATELYN JARRELL

1st Runner Up
KRYZTYN RUIZ

2nd Runner Up
MIKAYLA RIVERA

Miss Teen Grand Continental Queen Canada 2016 - Winner
MAISIE FLORIANO

1st Runner Up
PRINCESS AUDREY GUTIERREZ

2nd Runner Up
CRISTINA DI VITO

Miss Grand Continental Queen Canada 2016- Winner
CHRISTAL TALAVERA

1st Runner Up
KRIZIA MAE CORONEL

2nd Runner Up
MONICA SINGH

KUDOS to all the winners!