Surprise Reyna Elena in Brgy. Balaring wows three barangays: Boac Mayor-Elect Armi Carrion

Reyna Elena Armi Carrion and her Constantine

The role is often reserved for the most beautiful or most important maiden in the community. That of Reyna Elena in the traditional Santacruzan, held in many Philippine Christian towns and barangays on the last day of Flores de Mayo.

Reyna Elena is the personification of St. Helena, a Roman empress who was reputed to have discovered Christ’s cross. Many subsequent legends developed, and the story of the finding of the cross, enhanced by romances became a favorite throughout Christendom, especially in the Philippines where it is commemorated through the Santacruzan. Others call it sagalahan.

From Brgy. Balaring in Boac, an unexpected call came from the barangay Captain to the new Mayor-Elect of Boac, Armi de la Cruz Carrion. She’s the wife of the late Marinduque governor Bong Carrion and she has just won the recent election over five other candidates - by an astounding landslide. 

Armi Carrion's recent proclamation as Mayor-Elect of Boac

Her five opponents' votes added together couldn't even exceed her total number of votes.

The barangay leader conveyed his urgent request: “Ma'm, our barangay is making a collective request – you are our choice as Reyna Elena this time because this is the very first time that a Carrion has won an election in our barangay after so many years...”

The startled Madame who was in Manila for a much needed rest could not say ‘no’ and accepted the Kapitan’s demand for her extraordinary presence in the Santacruzan to be held in just a couple of days.

And so it came to pass, the Reyna Elena’s identity was revealed to others. The news apparently spread that in no time residents of the nearby barangays of Ihatub and Caganhao demanded that the Santacruzan procession should pass through their barangays also.

After a rush decision on which gown and what shoes to wear, Mayor-Elect Armi DC Carrion joined the procession that passed through three barangays - all of 6 kilometers back and forth. 

She reportedly wore 3-inch shoes for the unexpected 6-km walk

They only told her the last minute of the extended route. And she gamely agreed having no choice but to accede to the people who have lined up the main seaside road. The aching feet as result could be soothed later, anyway.

She was escorted by a smart-looking young Constantino who carried a cross.

Many from the Boac town proper who’ve heard of the news also trooped to the seaside road to watch and cheer their Reyna Elena 2019, Mayora Armi.

Reyna Elena Mayora Armi