Dancesport champ, first timer emerge the fairest

CEBU, Philippines - A dancesport champion and a first timer in a beauty contest emerged as the fairest in their respective divisions during yesterday’s search for the 2009 Miss Milo Little Olympics-Visayas at the jampacked Cebu City Sports Center.

12-year-old Pearl Marie Cañeda, who bagged gold medals in the latin and standard youth categories in the Dancesport Council of the Philippines (DSCPI) First Quarterly National Rankings and Competition last March at the Philsports Arena in Pasig City, sashayed with graceful poise and bearing on the way to clinch the glitzy tiara in the elementary division.

“I’m very glad that my absences were really worth it since I was able to give back pride and honor to my school. I had to pass through some thrilling moments before I was able to accept that I really won,” said Cañeda of the Cebu Normal University (CNU).

Stefi Catherine Sasuman of the University of San Jose-Recoletos (USJ-R) copped the first runner-up honors, while Vida Joyce Gemal of the Cebu City Central School completed Cañeda’c court.

In the secondary level, Stephanie Meyer of the University of San Carlos (USC) made her first shot at pageant glory a memorable one after she was declared as the overall winner.

“I was really shocked! I did not expect that I will win because there are lots of beautiful candidates. Also, this is my first time in joining such contest, so I don’t really have the experience of doing catwalks in front of many people,” blurted out the 13-year freshman student of USC-South Campus.

Cleofe Jerroe Blanco of Cebu Eastern College lifted the first runner-up trophy, while Mae Regil Versoza of St. Scholastica’s Academy was the second runner-up.

Jasmine Vilar of Guadalupe Elementary School and Mary Juelene Repunte of Immaculate Heart of Mary Academy caught part of the spotlight as they wrested the Miss Milo Personality awards.

Meanwhile, City Central School and Abellana National School swept the special awards in best in parade and saludo, most disciplined delegates, loudest cheer, and the biggest delegation. – THE FREEMAN