Clarrise Faith Layacan, a pretty mermaid is Miss MRAA 2008

SHE SWIMS like a mermaid but charms like a beauty Princess.

Thus, Clarisse Faith Layacan combined sports talent and beauty to become Miss MIMAROPA Meet 2008 in a fitting pageant competition, Tuesday night at the Mendoza Park Amphitheater in Barangay Model.
She kept her poise all-throughout when the judges announced the verdict giving the shy 15-year-old swimming multi-medalist the task to represent Region IV-B in the forthcoming search for 2008 Palarong Pambansa barely 9 days from now.

The incoming senior student at the Palawan National Highschool seemed speechless over the unexpected fate as she bested other candidates from 7 DepEd divisions for her first ever attempt in a “beauty, talent and brain” competition.

“I thank God most of all and of course my family for their support and all talent managers,” quipped Layacan, whose 32-26-34 slim figures, made her heavy favorite since the start of the search.
Princess Dianne Q. Rico of Oriental Mindoro, who settled for the first runner-up honor was the first to greet the new No.1 inspiration of MIMAROPA delegation, while second runner-up Rona Fay U. Majerna of Calapan City extended her hand to congratulate Layacan.

“I never expected it. My friends told me I won already, but still I cannot think of it until it was formally announced,” said the beauteous daughter of Lorenzo Layacan Jr. and swimming coach Imelda C. Layacan.

Dexter John P. Rico of Mindoro Oriental was adjudged Mr. MIMAROPA, while Jose Lloyd V. Lim of Occidental Mindoro was named first runner-up and Reigel V. Mendoza, second runner-up.

The young Layacan, who started competing in the swimming event of MRAA since 2002, was indeed a mermaid as she collected two golds, a silver and 4 bronzes in the on-going swimming event at the sprawling 16-hectare Ramon V. Mitra Jr. Sports Complex in Barangay Sta. Monica.
“Sports really is my top hobby and I wanted to be a swimming champion rather than a beauty Queen. To win medals in swimming is really what I wanted to achieve in the future,” added Layacan, whose other love is reading novels and playing guitar.

Her role towards inspiring all athletes of the MRAA delegation to win medals will not in any way affect her preparation for the more challenging swimming competition in the 2008 Palarong Pambansa on April 20 to 26.

“Only 9 days left, but I’m better prepared now. I am more confident as a swimmer as ever,” she said.

As inspiration to all athletes being Miss MRAA 2008, the 5’3 talented and promising swimming champion has this to say to all promising athletes: “Believe in yourself, you can do it! and always pray to God,” said Layacan.