A noteworthy project of the Cebu City Tourism Commission, it is an annual search for the ideal Cebuana who is unique and confident, sensitive to her environment, a potential leader and achiever who will make a difference in a community that has chosen her to be one of its role models.
A total of 25 hopefuls with grace and poise, wit and intelligence answered every question of the screening panel composed of well-respected leaders in their various fields of endeavors, namely, columnist Delia Jurado, banker Michael Go, Los Angeles-based doctor Manuel Tornilla, fashion designer Joy Bernaldez, travel and tours specialist Alice Queblatin, Smart Communications public affairs head Mon Isberto, lawyer Jane Paredes and Plantation Bay Resort sports director Michael Monsod.
Twelve young ladies were chosen and were formally presented to the general public last November 2002 at the Plaza Santa Cruz. They are Mae Benn Menodiado, Mariechris Kiara Masong, Mimosa Marie Barquero, Racquel Dianne Baguia, Maria Cecilia Depositario, Maria Gina Palen, Niña Mae Villegas, Ihna Amoguis, Melissa Marie Basubas, Niszal Villaruel Piencenaves, Glency Sue Marie Senires and Ma. Karla Bautista.
The finalists toured Cebu’s many attractions, attended several seminars and workshops and underwent extensive training all designed to broaden their knowledge on Cebu and further enhance their personality development and nurture their potentials as Ambassadresses of Goodwill. Project chair Philip Rodriguez says, "The CCTC has come up with an excellent program, not only to prepare them for the much-awaited pageant tomorrow, but, more importantly, to develop them into Cebuanas of distinction we can all be proud of."
City administrator Paul Nigel Villarete briefed them on city governance and its policies. They even had the opportunity to observe the City Council in session and were introduced to the officials.
Tetta Baad of Ayala Inc. gave the candidates the necessary inputs regarding the history of Cebu and its cultural heritage, after which they visited various museums, including Southwestern University and the University of Southern Philippines, where they saw relics and glimpses of the past.
Cebu Holdings president Rene Almendras shared his analytical analysis on business prospects in Cebu, while Swiss Honorary Consul Markus Stern gave an interesting talk on business etiquette and social graces.
Calcarrie training directress Josephine Go and Mega Magazine associate fashion editor Jessica Duque Cabuay conducted a fascinating lecture on poise, personality and projection, while makeover specialists from VMV Hypoallergenic Cosmetics provided tips on the proper application of makeup.
Virgie Guanzon of Personnel Management Association Cebu conducted a two-day talk on interpersonal relationships, worthwhile values and interactive team building.
From the wonderful world of travel, the enlightened speakers included Alice Queblatin on the tourism industry in general and its great potential in Cebu, Waterfront Cebu City Hotel food and beverage director Marco Protacio on food preparation and attending to guests, and the property’s president Patrick Gregorio on the excitement, the joys as well as the frustrations working for a tourism-oriented entity.
Within a few months, these 12 aspirants have turned into gems deserving to be Miss Cebu 2003. To all the candidates, the best of luck. To the final winner, our sincere congratulations and sincere best wishes.