The modern Cebuana
One of the most anticipated events is the week-long Sinulog celebration. This year, the Sinulog had a fluvial cortege from the seaport city of Mandaue through the Cebu Strait, which ended at the wharf of Cebu. The fiesta was participated in by hundreds of yachts and catamarans, barges and ships, bancas and pump boats.
The Sunday parade that attracted people from all walks of life was the annual Miss Cebu pageant. The pageant served as a fund-raising project for several charitable programs of the City of Cebu and the Cebu City tourism commission headed by Cebu Vice Mayor Michael Rama.
The 12 pre-screened lovely young ladies, representing the modern Cebuana, underwent workshops on communication skills and social graces and a series of seminars and familiarization tours of the city’s historical and cultural landmarks and natural and man-made attractions conducted by the experts.
The fast-paced highly entertaining musical extravaganza, choreographed and directed by Cebu’s talented director Junjet Primor, had the candidates parading in activity outfits and in long gowns, provided by the island’s top fashion designers.
The finalists displayed grace under pressure during the question and answer portion hosted by television personality Rovilson Fernandez and Sian Elizabeth Maynard, a former Miss Cebu. The fully-packed audience at the Pacific Ballroom of the Cebu Waterfront Hotel cheered for their favorites.
Versatile Cebuana singer, the stunning head-turner, Verni Varga and Manila-based balladeer and heartthrob, Christian Bautista provided musical numbers to everyone’s delight.
Reena Elena Malinao, a 21-year-old registered nurse, was crowned Ms Cebu 2010. As the new title holder, she hopes to work closely with the Cebu City Task Force on street-children and assist in the promotion of the medical tourism in the city.
Other winnners were Gresa Lugo, a BS management accounting student of the University of San Carlos, first runner-up; Ma. Eliza Zosa, a nursing student at the Cebu Normal University, second runner-up; Rogelie Catacutan, also a nursing student of the University of San Jose Recoletos, third runner-up; and Carole Monique de Leon, a psychology major of the University of San Carlos, fourth runner-up.
The major prizes included cash prizes and a trip to Hong Kong courtesy of Cathay Pacific Airways. In addition to the cash prize, Ms. Cebu won a roundtrip ticket to any destination in the world where Cathay Pacific Airways flies. Miss. Photogenic and Miss Friendship awards went to Rogelie Catacutan, while the Miss Belo Beautiful, Miss Belo Body Essential Star White Skin and Best in Evening Gown-Miss Glamour Girl Cathay Pacific went to Carole Monique de Leon.
Cary Santiago won the best evening gown designer, while designer Felix Yu was given the lifetime achievement award.
Rachy Cuna, the floral architect of the Philippines noted for his ingenuity in using locally grown materials, was the chairman of the board of judges for the pageant. The other judges were the ageless Susan Calo Medina, host and producer of the Travel Time; Jeannie Goulbourn, one of the country’s celebrated designers and a staunch advocate of wellness; Quark Henares, one of the most outstanding filmmakers in the country; and Illac Diaz, a social entrepreneur.
