ILAGAN CITY – Clad in a boxing attire when they took center stage in front of the jampacked Capital Arena here, members of the Isabela National High School-City of Ilagan wasted no time, performed like true champions like they’re used to and delivered the knockout blow on Sunday.
On Saturday njght, Fil-British candidate from Sta. Isabel Sur, Mariella Asuero Tyrell, also grabbed the spotlight and took the throne by becoming the new Binibining Ilagan.
They were some among the top achievers in the three-day celebration of the 13th Cityhood Anniversary celebration of Ilagan, Isabela.
Among the activities lined up by the LGU include the match between celebrity baller Gerald Anderson and his squad, which competed against the regular professional basketball team, Ilagan Isabela Cowboys from the MPBL. Local folks were treated to an evening of fun-filled experience as Anderson and his team were mobbed by fans, who were eager to get selfie photos with these celebrities and have close interaction with them.
The city also launched a motocross and airsoft events on Sunday as well as a moto and tricycle showcase.
A Thanksgiving Mass kicked off the final day of these three-day spectacle even as the LGU paid tribute to the Outstanding Ilaguenos and Top Taxpayers, fertilizer ceremonial distribution and distribution of grill nets to fisherfolks, Chalks Art: Likhang Sining Sa Daan, PRC Mobile Services, Push Bike Fun Race and the Grand Concert Featuring Parokya Ni Edgar.
For three days, the Capital Arena was packed to the rafters, made possible by the return of the JDL Cheer Dance Competition and the prestigious Binibining Ilagan.
High school students from INHS swept the special awards on top of becoming this year’s champion of the sixth JLD Cheer Dance Competition.
It was the fifth championship won by this institution and this year’s revival of the cheer dance was a perfect time for INHS to restore its dynasty in the competition and Jose Doria, who managed the school’s cheer dance squad, shared the challenges and pressure they felt ahead of the revival of the competition this year.
Amid the challenges they encountered, the INHS cheer dance squad was all locked in, entered in grand fashion with props used in boxing – from the ring, gloves, to outfit – and it’s only fitting they delivered the telling blows of stunts, execution and synchronization as they got the nod of the judges.
On top of winning the P50,000 top prize as champion, INHS also captured the special awards in best in costume, best in styles and props, and best in choreography, each worth P10,000.
But there’s another one who stole the spotlight, this time in the Binibing 2025 as Ms. Tyrell became the city’s newest beauty queen. She won most of the special awards given that night, including the top prize of P100,000 which was awarded by City Mayor Josemarie Diaz and honorable Hon. Evelyn Diaz, former Mayor of the City, Vice Mayor Jayve Diaz, Congressman Bojie Dy and Mary Anne Dy and Binibining Ilagan 2024 Johnlene Ariola.
Born in Doha, Qatar, but moved to the Philippines when she turned a year older and lived here ever since, she was influenced by a lot of people in joining pageantries.
Prior to joining the contest, Ms. Tyrell had to manage her time more efficiently. She was a working student, taking up Nursing at Lorma College of Nursing in San Fernando, La Union, but she is also works part-time at Lazarene Suites in Bacnotan, La Union at the front office desk under customer service.
Tyrell won over a strong field of beauteous entries from different barangays in Ilagan City, and also bagged most of the special awards given during the event. Already a fan favorite even before she grabbed the spotlight, she was loved and adored even more when she was chosen as Binibining Kape Ilokano, Binibining Villa Mercedes Hotel and Resort awardee, Best in Creative Farmer’s Attire and Best in Casual Wear.
In the Question and Answer portion, Ms. Tyller stood out more when she eloquently answered the questions from the judges, giving more value on ‘winning the hearts of the people than winning the crown’ and ‘how to value character over appearance’.
Ms. Tyrell is now the title holder of Binibining Ilagan and the next big step is to become Queen Isabela.
