Maui Lass Captures Beauty State Title

By Fil-Am Observer Staff
Front Page



Honolulu- Miss Maui Filipina 2009, 17-year old Celina Jean Macadangdang Hayashi, captured the state title of Miss Hawaii Filipina 2009 at the Miss Hawaii Filipina Scholarship Pageant held at the Hawaii Theater on July 18. Celina and the other island Filipina queens of Oahu, the Big Island, Kauai and Molokai competed in the four categories of Judges Pre-pageant Interview, Talent, Swimsuit, and Terno/Speech. In a very rare occurrence, and possibly the first ever in the State's pageant history since its inception 50 years ago, Celina captured first in every judging phase of the competition.

Celina's talent was a self-choreographed contemporary ballet to the song "Dahil Minahal Mo Ako" by popular Filipina artist Sara Geronimo. Her Terno gown was artistically designed by Mr. Peter Lee, well-known designer of Maui, which was adorned with the Sampaguita, the national flower of the Philippines (also known as the Pikake) which had been hand beaded by her grandmother 31 years ago for her mother's gown worn in the 1978 Miss Maui Filipina pageant.

Her speech resonated the impact of the Filipino culture on her life. She spoke of the "Bayanihan" spirit - "of joy in cooperation, satisfaction in giving, and working together towards a common goal" - which she says is her inspiration to serving her community, enriching the lives of others and perpetuating her Filipino culture for posterity. She passionately and appreciatively spoke of the courage of her Sakada grandfather Pedro Macadangdang and how it shaped her own perspectives.


A 2009 graduate of King Kekaulike High High School, Celina ranked first in her class of 325 students, and graduated as Class Valedictorian and Summa Cum Laude in June 2009. Some of her other more notable honors while in high school include school President 2008-09, Chair of the Maui District Student Council Organization 2008-09, National Honor Society 2007-09, School Community Council 2007-09 and Most Outstanding Teenager of Hawaii 2007. Her exemplary community service and volunteer record with Big Brothers Big Sisters, Maui Food Bank, American Cancer Society, Maui Memorial Medical Center and the Rotary rendered her the Youth Citizenship Award by the Soroptimist International of Maui and the Citizenship Award at the State level by the Honolulu Advertiser, Department of Education and the Hawaii Hotel & Lodging. Celina will be majoring in Biology in the Fall with intentions of entering Medical School and becoming a doctor.

Miss Oahu Filipina Rachel Pacarro (22 year old Senior at the University of Hawaii), was first runner-up while Miss Big Island Shawny Richardson-Acoba (20 year old Sophomore at Hawaii Community College) was second runner-up. Most Photogenic, Best Terno Design and Most Tickets Sold was Miss Oahu Filipina, Miss Congeniality and Most Ads Sold was Miss Molokai Filipina Ashley Ringor Ponce (20 year old Sophomore at Maui Community College). Best in Talent, Best in Speech, Best in Bathing Suit and Best in Pre-Pageant Interview was Miss Maui Filipina Celina Jean Macadangdang.

“I feel very privileged to have been selected first as Miss Maui Filipina 2009 and now Miss Hawaii Filipina 2009. I gained a deep appreciation, respect and love for my Filipino ethnicity through the teachings of my grandparents and I’m so blessed and thankful to God to have this unique opportunity to serve the Filipino community at the state level. My involvement in this scholarship pageant, was in honor of my grandparents and to pay tribute for all that they have done for me. Serving as the 50th Miss Hawaii Filipina is both a privilege and a responsibility, and I’m looking forward to serving as a role model for the youth and encouraging education and volunteerism to the community,” Celina said.


The scholarship pageant was sponsored by the United Filipino Council of Hawaii; with newly re-elected President Eddie D. Agas Sr. and pageant producer/director Leo Rojas Gozar.
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