Miss Cebu 2024 Zoe Cameron: ‘Sweet, no-fuss kid’ who’s into basketball

CEBU, Philippines — Production staff of Miss Cebu 2024 describe Zoe Cameron as “amiable”, a “people person”, and “easy to deal with” candidate who’d take pains to catch up on pre-pageant activities even on a bind – and won’t mind doing so by way of an Angkas (motor taxi) ride.

Some also noted of her being a no-fuss, “sweet kid.” One award sponsor said the 21-year-old was their pick during a pre-judging interview because of her concrete action plan and a solid advocacy in place years before joining the pageant.

Cameron bested 11 other finalists Wednesday, January 17, at the Grand Pacific Ballroom of Waterfront Cebu City Hotel & Casino, inheriting the Miss Cebu title from Kefaiah Al-zair.

Tasked to expound on the word ‘hospitality’ during the first round of interviews, Cameron said, “When I hear the word Cebuana, the first thing that comes to mind is being hospitable. It’s actually not easy to be hospitable, you have to accommodate a wide array of cultures. You have to entertain them [but] not to make them feel offended.”

“And that requires a high level of cultural awareness. But as Cebuanas, it’s innate in us. It comes naturally. I think it’s due to the fact that young as we are, we are already trained, and we have immense pride for Cebu. We want to make sure that Cebu is seen, felt, and heard all over the world, because let’s face it, Cebu is world-class.”

For the Top 5 question of how she can use technology in this age of social media to make a positive impact and reach a wider audience, Cameron replied, “As Miss Cebu, I am given a platform. With that platform comes influence, and with that influence comes action, and with action there’s change. There’s so much power to that, and we all know with great power comes great responsibility.”

She added, “So as a Miss Cebu, I will be a role model to the youth – the digital generation. I will teach them to develop critical thinking skills, media literacy, not to be swayed by fake news, and not to be affected by what we see online. There is already so much hate and negativity in this world. Let’s fight negativity with kindness, by making this beautiful world more beautiful one click at a time.”

As the 40th Miss Cebu, Cameron won P150,000 pesos, a round trip ticket to the USA, a trip to Hong Kong, an iPad Air, a mobile phone, jewelry set from Oro Galleria worth P50,000, and more sponsor perks.

She also bagged a slew of awards, namely, Miss Mark Café, Best in Runway by Bingo Plus, The Remedios Duterte Delmar Heritage Award by Acebedo Optical, Miss Oro Galleria, Miss Charity Bingo Plus, and Miss MyTV Cebu.

Cameron, a 5’7-tall mestiza, was born in Cebu to a mother from General Santos City who has Scottish descent, and a father who is pure Filipino. The eldest of four siblings only moved back to Cebu from Manila before senior high and right before the pandemic hit.

The resident of Basak, Lapu-Lapu City is on her third year of Business Administration Major in Financial Management studies at the University of the San Carlos (USC), after deciding to shift from a Computer Science program.

Her parents, who own a company that constructs swimming pools, inspired her interest in business and financial literacy. Among her goals is to put up a skin care, cosmetics or food business, and in the process, create an enterprise that can address unemployment and poverty.

Cameron is likewise passionate about basketball, which she first took on three years ago along with two of her sisters. A co-founder of the Opon Women’s Basketball Association in Lapu-Lapu City, she named Cebuano ball players Dondon Hontiveros and June Mar Fajardo, as well as Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic and Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo as her idols in the sport.

Runners-up

First runner-up is Joelle Devine D. Uy, a 21-year-old Nursing student at Velez College. She was also chosen Best in Evening Gown, designed by Jun Escario, who was also adjudged Best Evening Gown Designer. She took home P100,000 pesos, a trip to Hong Kong, a jewelry set worth P30,000, a mobile phone, and other sponsor prizes.

This competitive figure skater is a 2019 State Games of America National Gold Medalist and a United States Silver Figure Skating Medalist. She is a licensed and registered skating coach with the United States Figure Skating Association, and is choosing between specializing in obstetrics and gynecology (OBGYN) or pediatrics.

Second runner-up is Danielle McKaye O. Dela Cruz, 23, a Human Resource Management student at the University of San Carlos who began joining pageants at 13 years old. Standing out with her cropped haircut, she was also awarded Miss Cebu Wear by Iconique Mall, wearing a creation by Brian Aloquin.

Dela Cruz, a “proud advocate” of environmental protection and conservation, received P75,000 pesos, a trip to Hong Kong, jewelry set worth P20,000, a mobile phone, and other sponsor packages.

Third runner-up is Angel Jane M. Ruiz, 21, a sophomore Advertising Arts major at USC. She was rewarded P50,000 pesos, a trip to Hong Kong, jewelry set worth P10,000, and a mobile phone.

A Binibining Toledo 2021 title-holder, one particular touching moment for Ruiz throughout the Miss Cebu pre-finals activities was how her co-candidates aided her during a seafood allergy emergency all the way to the hospital – not minding that they will miss a workshop through no fault of their own.

Completing this year’s top five is fourth runner-up Shaina Michelle M. Reyes, a 25-year-old licensed architect who was also chosen Miss Friendship by Waterfront and Miss Skin 911. She won P50,000, trip to Hong Kong, jewelry set worth P10,000, and a mobile phone

The resident of Busay, Cebu City earned her degree at the University of Santo Tomas, and now works remotely for a Manila firm that caters to a celebrity and high-end clientele. She is passionate about ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder) awareness – having been professionally diagnosed at 21 – calling the condition “a power we should embrace.”

Other awardees are Christine Kate P. Lavajo as Miss Photogenic by Macy’s Camera Shop, Protacio for The Remedios Duterte Delmar Carnival Queen Best Designer Award (worn by Zoe Cameron and Leila Alexis Mah), and Mike Yapching for Best in Cebu Wear Designer Award (worn by Angela Kristiana McKinney).

Hosted by singer-actor Markki Stroem and Miss Cebu Tourism 1999 Maria del Carmen ‘Menchu’ Antigua-Macapagal, Miss Cebu 2024 highlighted its Ruby Jubilee through a gown exhibit from previous title-holders outside the Waterfront ballroom, as well as a parade of Miss Cebu winners through the years.