Accountancy grad wins Ms. Cebu 2004 crown

Over three months of extensive training in tourism and trade related programs and projects, poise and personality and enhancement courses, social and business etiquette, extemporaneous speaking and effective communication skills more than prepared the 12 lovely ladies for the Ms. Cebu 2004 Pageant held recently at the Grand Ballroom of the Waterfront Hotel.

This year’s highly entertaining spectacle paid tribute to Cebuano art and culture with the notable participation of well-respected, much loved homegrown artists from various fields who teamed up with the island’s much desired fashion designers to create the distinctive evening gowns for the candidates.

Award-winning furniture maker Kenneth Cobonpue’s work provided inspiration to Edwin Ao, while furniture craftsman Eloisa Robinson coordinated with Harley Ruedas. Contemporary artist Palmy Pe-Tudtud teamed up with Wendell Quisido, as sculptor Doro Barandino joined hands with Arcy Gayatin. Installation expert Budoy Marabiles collaborated with Oj Hofer and jeweler Anne Chen conspired with Jude Elardo. Young promising painter Cristy Manguerra and stylist Albert Arriba pulled their resources together, while Raymund and Estela Fernandez shared their creations with William Manahan and Ray Kuan, respectively.

The talented Escario’s innovative furniture designer Corito fired the imagination of fashion whiz JunJun. Tito Cuevas inspired Dino Lloren and Andrew Barba motivated Marichu Tan.

Multi-talented former Ms. Cebu and now Manila-based television newscaster Menchu Antigua and balladeer JR Rosales were hosts for the evening. Versatile actress, the dynamic Cherrie Gil, amiably chatted with the ladies to get to know them better.

After much deliberation, the board of judges, led by chairperson Miss Universe 1973 and vice chair of the Mindanao Commission of Women Margie Moran Floirendo, together with Lawrence Fong, GM of Cathay Pacific Airways Cebu, director-choreographer Jackie Aquino, director for promotions and special events of Cebu Pacific Ana Mendoza, Smart Communications area manager for the Visayas Roy Nebrija, regional sales manager for the Visayas and Mindanao, Consumer Products Division, L’Oreal Philippines, Pete Obach, and full of pleasant surprises lifestyle columnist Tessa Prieto Valdes announced the first rainfall of awards.

Cermelli Canoy was voted Miss Friendship, while Recca Mae Menchavez as Miss Cebu Pacific was the lucky winner of a three-months long travel pass to any of the airline’s domestic destination. Best in evening gown was Gianne Chan who gracefully did justice to Arcy Gayatin’s creation. Guia Chua who donned a flowing body-tone formal attire garnered for designer Ray Kuan the award for best designer for the evening gown competition.

And finally, the 23-year-old accountancy graduate from the University of San Carlos Marnelli Abatayo was declared Ms. Cebu 2004. Golda May Gabriel was first runner-up. Shortly thereafter, Recca Mae Menchavez, Guia Chua and Cermelli Canoy were named members of the court.

All throughout the extravaganza, the Cebuanos cheered for their favorite candidates. And they were not disappointed. The Cebu Tourism Commission headed by Vice Mayor Michael Rama, Cebu First Lady Margot Osmeña as consultant, councilor Arcenio Pacaña, Olivia Uy, Franklin Ong, Joan Tiu, Petite Garcia, Tetta Baad, Jessica Avila, Jane Paredes and this writer with project chair Philip Rodriguez were more than pleased with the entire production. The five winners will visit Hong Kong, while Ms. Cebu 2004 will have a choice to explore either Africa, Europe or the United States courtesy of Cathay Pacific Airways, the airline that gives service from the heart.