Cathedral holds its first Santacruzan

CEBU, Philippines - A one-of-a-kind Santacruzan was held at Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral, its first in Cebu’s 75 years as an Archdiocese.

Over 30 Reynas joined the Jubilee Santacruzan led by Cebuana businesswoman-philanthropist Mariquita Salimbangon-Yeung, who was the Reyna Emperatriz.

Salimbangon-Yeung in her Elizabethan gown designed by famous designer Carrie Santiago was escorted by her future son-in-law British real estate businessman, Chris McKowen.

Nena Gullas, who is the wife of The FREEMAN chairman Jose “Dodong” Gullas, was the Reyna Elena and wore an electric blue gown as she walked the red carpet with her nephew as Constantine.

Salimbangon-Yeung’s daughter Carla Marie, was the Reyna de las Flores or Queen of Flowers, and also wore a gown also designed by Santiago, who is known to be a designer for “royal families”.

More than 20 other beautiful women in their captivating gowns joined the Santacruzan, many of them were beauty queens and fashion models.

Gullas said that she is honored to have been chosen as the Reyna Elena especially as it is the first-ever Santacruzan of the Cathedral.

The Santacruzan culminated in the procession of the Reyna Emperatriz, who is usually chosen not only for her regal beauty, majesty and strength of character, but also for her generosity and devotion to the Lord.

Salimbangon-Yeung said that as the first Reyna Emperatriz, she will be donating her gown to the Cebu Cathedral Museum.

The Jubilee Santacruzan commemorates the finding of the Holy Cross by the Empress Helen and her son, Constantine.

The event was also celebrated with solemn songs that give honor to the Blessed Virgin Mary. — Mitchelle L. Palaubsanon/BRP (THE FREEMAN)