This year’s Peñafrancia Fiesta will spotlight the Miss Bicolandia pageant, which now includes a Festival Costume Contest.
However, contestants are prohibited from using images of the Ina Peñafrancia or Sto. Niño, including crosses, in their costumes. This adjustment aims to maintain focus on creative and original designs.
“Ang Miss Bicolandia po, has no any reference sa satuyang imahen na si Ina bilang patrona kang bicolandia," Coun. Joe Perez, Co-chairman of Miss Bicolandia 2024, said.
"In deference, ginigibo ta ining purely a civic event na mayo po ning religious undertone. Kaya ngani ini, pig-schedule ta bago magpoon ang kapistahan kan satuyang Ina," Perez added.
Additionally, the height requirement for applicants has been lowered to 5’3” from 5'4" while the age limit is raised to 18.
These changes align with the Miss Universe pageant's recent updates, which also removed age and height restrictions.
“Binabaan ta lang gaya kang ibang national pageant, para just in case habo ninda magsali sa Miss Universe, may iba pang choices si Miss Bicolandia na national pageant na masasalihan," Ice Badong, Recruitment Head for Miss Bicolandia 2024, said.
Pre-screening for interested candidates will take place on August 31.
Application forms are available at the City Events Protocol and Public Information Office (CEPPIO) and can also be downloaded online.