By Robert Requintina Twenty beautiful ladies will vie for the inaugural Reyna ng Mangyan Festival 2018 which aims to raise awareness and funds for the construction of makeshift schools for the Mangyan.   The official candidates are: Jovelyn Baladiang, Precious Kara Roco, Gelane Ombi-on, Shira Mae Salome, Efryl Go, Leira Joy Galang, Jehn Glyza Carino, Princess Zaira Estrada, Charie Manalo Sergio, Jane Nicole Manalo, Mewish de Castro, Sharmane Galisanao, Jobelle Lyra Pajanel, Jessa Socito, Christine Alen Rada, Regalyn Laban, Axi Castillo Mercado, Celestial Jambalos, Keizzel Grace Marcelino and Aira Palacio. Mayor Joel Maliwanag of Mansalay, Oriental Mindoro says the inaugural pageant will be the highlight of this year's Mangyan Festival, an annual festival based in Mansalay, Oriental Mindoro, featuring the enduring beauty of the rich culture of Mangyans, the indigenous peoples who can be found in the three provinces of Oriental Mindoro, Occidental Mindoro and Romblon. "Its primary aim is to immerse the candidates with the Mangyan tribe and make them understand and appreciate the way of life of the Mangyans, particularly its weaving tradition, and later on evolve them as advocates in preserving and promoting the Mangyan culture," says Maliwanag during press presentation held at a hotel in Quezon City recently. Maliwanag adds: "The pageant is for the benefit of the construction of makeshift schools for the Mangyan and also for the conduct of projects aimed at preserving and promoting their culture." During the press presentation, Jane Nicole Manalo was named Darling of the Press; Precious Kara Roco, Madrigal Foundation Choice; and Celestial Jambalos, Miss Madison Hotel 101+Tower.