Cebuana wins Aliwan Festival Queen

MANILA, Philippines – Sian Elizabeth Maynard of Cebu City (photo) was crowned Festival Queen in glittering ceremonies at the Quirino Grandstand, capping this year’s Aliwan Fiesta. The 21-year-old European Studies graduate was Miss Cebu 2008. The half-Filipina, half-British edged out Romarie Ivy Cunanan of General Santos City, Aliah Heitz of Davao, Parul Framil Shah of Baguio, and Kate Lao of Laoag.

A dead-ringer for Charlene Gonzales, Sian Elizabeth was also named Best in Long Gown with Shah as Best in Swimsuit. Lao, who performed a two-minute dance revue depicting Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao, was adjudged Best in Talent. 

Anne Camille del Rosario of Pasig’s Pakalog Festival and Stephanie Rae Paras of the Ibon-Ebon Festival of Candaba, Pampanga won Best Festival Costume.

This year’s search for Festival Queen also featured the participation of the Fashion Designers Association of the Philippines for the evening gown competition, with Edgar San Diego winning the Best Designer award.