"My Girl" grand winner Koreen Medina receives the Best in Swimsuit award from hosts Randy Santiago, John Estrada and Rico J. Puno at the final telecast of "Happy Yipee Yehey" on Saturday at the AFP Theater.
MANILA, Philippines – ABS-CBN’s noontime show “Happy Yipee Yehey” (HYY) ended happily on Saturday with 16-year-old Koreen Medina of Quezon City winning the much-awaited “My Girl” grand finals.
Medina not only got the top plum, but also won most of the competition’s special awards. As the “My Girl” grand winner, she won a P1-million cash prize and a Star Magic contract. She also took home a brand new car and a diamond ring worth P100,000 for being the Texter’s Choice, P50,000 cash prize for the Best Swimsuit award and another P50,000 for Best in Costume.
Medina cried when her named was called as the grand winner, as it was her first time to join a beauty pageant. She said she frequents singing contests but not pageants and that she didn’t expect the victory.
“With the opportunity I got, I’ll definitely work hard and do my best to nurture it. Singing is my first love, so I’d like to hone it more,” she said.
Medina won over the pageant’s judges Joey Marquez, Richard Gomez, Lara Quigaman, Jonas Gaffud and Dra. Vicky Belo when she said in the question and answer portion that if ever she’s a guardian angel, she’ll look after her grandma whom she loves so much.
The other winners were: Xzania Victa, who was named first runner-up and best in long gown; CJ Bender, second Runner-up; best in talent Ganiel Krishnan, third runner-up; and Alyssa Encarnation, fourth runner-up.
Performances also jazzed up the grand finals. Martin Nievera and Randy Santiago serenaded the candidates, while Toni Gonzaga and Pokwang had production numbers.
At the end of the show, HYY hosts, together with the members of the production team, gave their heartwarming messages to viewers.
“HYY’s farewell may have saddened us, but we accepted and embraced the changes. Let us support ABS-CBN’s noontime block that continues to spread happiness and hope to every Filipino family,” John Prats said.
Before the show finally bid goodbye, Santiago, John Estrada and Rico J. Puno, together with the other hosts and the rest of the production staff, tearfully sang “Matapos Man Ang Kailanman." The audience at the AFP Theater were touched as the hosts waved goodbye to everyone.
-Photo by Alan Sancon-