2008 Reyna Emperatriz of Laoag

It's almost time for the annual Santacruzan, when a lucky young lady is crowned Reyna Elena and paraded down the city streets.  This photo shows the 2008 Reyna Elena of Laoag City with her Rey Constantino (Karl, the son of our dear friend Dra. Remy) in their elaborate garments, truly fit for royalty.  They are stepping out of the St. William Cathedral, the last pair in a march of no less than 60 participants.  




Although she was only 6 at that time, my daughter Rocio was chosen by our barangay captain Engr. Joel Mateo to represent our community in the city-wide fund-raising race for the coveted Reyna Elena and Rey Constantino titles.  She placed second in the overall tally, making her Laoag City's Reyna Emperatriz 2008. In the barangay level,

however, she is the reigning Reyna Elena. 

For a whole year, Rocio has to house the Holy Cross of the barangay and hold monthly rosary sessions to honor the Blessed Virgin Mary. In 2009, she will turn over her crown as the barangay's Reyna Elena to the next young lass selected by the council.  She will then be the barangay Reyna Emperatriz--- meaning the wife of the Emperador, who is the grown up Rey Constantino.

The procession from the church ended at our house where our family as well as Rey Constantino's prepared a simple party as a thank-you to the participants of the procession.  The royal court consisted mostly of the Sangguniang Kabataan. The youth in this photo, however, are my very supportive cousins who love and cherish Rocio so much.