The 20-year-old search for the city’s ambassadress of goodwill is a worthy project of the Cebu City Tourism Commission, headed by Cebu Vice Mayor Michael Rama.
Prior to the pageant, the 12 lovely ladies underwent a series of courses and workshops on personality development from John Robert Powers, communication skills conducted by Toastmasters District 75, business prospects with the Cebu Chamber of Commerce, and table manners illustrated by Cebu Marriott Hotel general manager Karl Hudson, as well as a succession of familiarization tours of the city’s historical landmarks and natural wonders.
The pageant judges included ABS CBN Broadcast Corporation vice president Charo Santos-Concio, Cathay Pacific Airways Cebu manager Suzanne Wong, Philippine STAR columnist and Metro magazine editor-at-large Philip Cu-Unjieng, fashion designer Rajo Laurel, and Mabuhay magazine general manager Simeon Ventura.
The opening extravaganza, masterfully choreographed and directed by Cebu’s top director Junjet Primor, had the candidates parading in winsome resort outfits that had as theme the elements of earth, water, fire, and air. The designers included Joy Bernaldez, Ray Kuan, Protacio, and Arcy Gayatin.
The evening gown portion of the program, which usually brings out the glamour and sophistication of the contestants, featured the artistic genius of the city’s couturiers like Albert Arriba, Dino Lloren, Edwin Ao, Oj Hofer, Marichu Tan, Minnie Yuviengco, Sal Malto, William Manahan, Ditas Rodriguez, Dexter Alazas, Myrna Cebrecus, Jun Escario, Harley Ruedas, Jude Elardo, Mario Colmenares, Ren Manabat, Wendell Quisido, and Ronald Enrico.
After much deliberation, the jurors announced the first of the windfall of awards: Karla Ginteroy as Miss Waterfront Friendship, Carmen Victoria Tiu as Miss Myra E, and Stephanie Señires as Miss Fuji Photogenic and Best in Evening Gown Award, with Wendell Quisido receiving the prize as Best Designer.
Before long, the members of the court were announced: Angel Luzano, Karla Ginteroy, Elane Gica, and Jan Marie Aliño as first, second, third, and fourth runners-up, respectively.
And finally, 18-year-old Stephanie Rose Señires, a psychology student at the University of San Carlos, was crowned Ms. Cebu 2006 by Cebu City Mayor Tomas Osmeña assisted by his wife Margot and Charo Santos-Concio.
Celebrity brothers TJ and Borgy Manotoc were this year’s pageant hosts. Balladeer Luke Mejares and local songbirds Maria Donna and Rizza Navales were guest performers.
All throughout the evening at the ballroom of the Waterfront Hotel, the Cebuanos cheered for the very best and they got what they rightfully deserved.
Take a bow, Philip Rodriguez, chairman of the Ms. Cebu Beauty Pageant 2006.