USC Tourism student crowned new Miss Mandaue

CEBU, Philippines - She may have stammered through her Q & A and may not have given the best answer for the evening, but it seemed inconsequential by that point, for all signs of victory appeared to be pointing Steffi Rose Pearson Aberasturi’s way.

Aberasturi, 18, harvested majority of the Miss Mandaue 2013 corporate and special awards and had a good crowd cheering her every spin and smile. Not surprisingly, she was crowned the new ambassadress of Mandaue during pageant ceremonies held Tuesday night at the city’s Heritage Plaza.

“I’m not really satisfied with my answer during the Q & A. In fact, I felt down. I was nervous and couldn’t answer well. But I’m glad everything turned out to be okay,” she said in an interview with reporters immediately after her proclamation.

Veering away from the traditional Q & A format, the 12 finalists were asked to select a fellow candidates’ video where they are shown talking about values of a Mandauehanon. The contestant will then elaborate on the topic.

Aberasturi picked Apriel Smith’s video which touched on retaining traditional positive values amidst a technology-driven generation.

“Here in Mandaue City, people still preserve the values of a Mandauehanon. I would like to thank Mayor Jonas Cortes for being a good role model to us, and for that, people here in Mandaue have good values, and that’s something we should be proud of,” replied the incoming Tourism sophomore of the University of San Carlos.

“I didn’t expect to win because my co-candidates are all beautiful and answered very well. It was really a tough competition. I will celebrate with my family. I’m so thankful to the Lord for giving me this blessing, as I have been preparing for this very moment,” she said.

The five-foot-six tall charmer was also named Best in Fun Wear, Best in Costume, Miss Parkmall, Miss Casino Femme, Miss Gems and Designs, Best in Evening Gown and Darling of the Press.

Each of her three designers likewise won: Peewee Senining for Best Fun Wear Designer, Kenneth Harion for Best in Costume Design and Danny Booc for Best in Evening Gown Design.

Aberasturi was resplendent in a figure-hugging evening gown dotted with multi-colored Swarovski crystals, designed by her modeling and pageant mentor Danny Booc. She was as stunning (thanks to her good mix of Spanish, Australian and Filipino lineage) during the costume competition, looking like a true Victorian era lady in her white petticoat, striped cane and elaborate hat.

She considered Smith, a 17-year-old Fil-Am, her strongest contender in the pageant. “Since we are part of the same modeling agency, everything I know, she also knows. But we are very good friends. I’ve seen her grow and I know how good a person she is. She equally deserves the crown.”

There was admittedly huge pressure on her to win, as her elder sister Crystal Star placed Miss Mandaue first runner-up back in 2011.

The younger Aberasturi is no pageant newbie with the following titles already under her belt: Sinulog Festival Queen 2011, Miss Campus Femme 2012 and Miss CESAFI 2013 first runner-up. Asked what pageant she’s eyeing next, she said, “Maybe I will try for Miss Cebu next, but I think my sister will join first.”

Her father is from Leyte, while her mother hails from Mindanao, but the Aberasturi brood has since settled down in Liloan.

Aberasturi is an aspiring flight attendant, “as it is one way for me to travel around the world,” thus she took up a Tourism course. With her telegenic and photogenic looks, she is also open to showbiz offers in case these come.

Completing her court are first runner-up Marie Michelle Aimee Puche (also named Miss Robinland), second runner-up Eva Psychee Patalinghug (also awarded Face of Insular Square and Miss Lecit-E); third runner-up Apriel Smith and fourth runner-up Mhon Therese Menaling (also named Miss J Centre Mall).

Special awards were also given to Kristine Alexandra Sy, Miss Friendship; and Victoria Errica Mae Generalao, Miss Photogenic and NGenius Online Voter’s Choice.

Meanwhile, 16-year-old candidate Karen Kate Ting failed to re-appear on stage for the Q & A and Evening Gown portions because she reportedly fainted backstage and had to receive medical attention. She was named Smart Texter’s Choice in an earlier text poll conducted by the communications company.  

Judges in the three-hour coronation night were Ng Khai president Wilson Ng, Robinland CEO Edwin Robin, travel writer and eco-tourism advocate Boboi Costas, dancing tax collector Ofelia Oliva, Binibining Pilipinas fitness trainer John Jay Cuay and Y101 FM’s VP for special events Judith Selmer.

The 44th edition of Miss Mandaue, beamed live over Skycable and Destiny Channel, also paid tribute to its 2008 winner Rizzini Alexis Gomez for her Miss Tourism International feat.

Just before the announcement of winners, Xian Lim of ABS-CBN’s “Ina, Kapatid, Anak” turned on his chinito charm to the screaming audience and at one point brought the giddy reigning Miss Cebu Namrata Neesha Murjani (a Miss Mandaue finalist last year) on stage for a serenade.

Past Miss Mandaue queens Anna Maris Igpit and Sian Elizabeth Maynard hosted the pageant, while the young trio of Junior Troubadours provided musical entertainment.