Shindell Atibula, a 19-year-old who represented Carcar City but hails from Biliran Province, prevailed over 16 other finalists to emerge as winner of Supermodel International Philippines-Cebu during the May 7 finals held at the IEC Convention Center.
The six-footer who idolizes American model Bella Hadid was also named Best in Fun Wear. Her ensemble in this segment was designed by Jerose Jabonan.
Her runners-up – who along with Atibula will be sent to Lucena City, Quezon Province for the Supermodel International Philippines 2023 finals on May 20 – are: Faith Nicole Cawit, 19 (first runner-up); Arielle Lyka Codezar, 19, (second runner-up and Best in Swimsuit); Kirsten Dawn Delerio, 16 (third runner-up and Best in Evening Gown); Lovelyn Yonson, 27 (fourth runner-up); and Angel Ann Diamanté Riesenbeck, 16, (fifth runner-up).
Seventeen candidates competed in Fun Wear, Swimsuit, and Evening Gown Sunday night before judges determined the Top 10. Another round of the Evening Gown competition followed after which judges determined the Top 6.
For the first time in 12 years, Supermodel International Philippines held a regional search after its chairman Limuel Hayag Vilela met Cebuana beauty queens, Mrs. Cebu Philippines Tourism 2022 Irma Payod-Bitzer and Elite Mrs. Philippines International 2021 Ginee Antigua Louw at an awards ceremony in Manila and broached the idea of getting a franchise. Along with its artistic director Danny Booc, Supermodel International Philippines-Cebu is headed by Bitzer as finance head and Louw as marketing director.
“Basically if you say supermodel – bone structure and height,” Booc had earlier said during the tilt’s press launch. “This time, it’s the X-factor. We don’t have a Q&A portion so it will all about the aura, physical beauty, and of course, the right attitude.” – VAB