CEBU, Philippines — For its third edition, Mrs. Cebu Philippines gathered 16 candidates who are hoping to succeed reigning title-holder Princess Joesel Mae Bajamonde during a Sashing, Media Presentation, and Talent Competition held August 27 at the Teatro Casino of Waterfront Cebu City Hotel and Casino. Finals is set for November 30 at the Grand Ballroom of Waterfront.
This year’s finalists include entrepreneurs Sarah Mae Solon of Cebu City South (28 years old, 5’2”), Jezreel De Castro of San Fernando South (44, 5’5”), Shiela Olivar of Bogo City (30, 5’4), Ma. Anjanette Marte of Lapu-Lapu City (58, 5’ ½”), and Rachella Chetandas of Cebu City North (23, 5;4”).
Also in contention are three educators: Maria Agnes Dela Vega of Consolacion (35, 5’4”), Jam Rodriguez of Daanbantayan (37, 5’2”), and Chrish Dogomeo of Ginatilan (29, 5’2”).
Completing the roster are nursing attendant Roca Subrevilla of Malabuyoc (24, 5’1”), dance instructor Merian Camilo of San Fernando North (38, 5’), legal secretary Suzanne Llanos of Talisay City (29, 5’4”), sports journalist Marian Batoon of Toledo City (24, 5’5”), financial adviser Jenelyn Rigonan of Argao (34, 5’5”), operations manager Jacqueline Ladaño of Naga City (29, 5’4”), freelance marketer Beatriz Cabañero of Inayawan, Cebu City, (33, 5’5”) and real estate broker Cristine Naingue of Mandaue City (38, 5’2”).
Dogomeo is among first timers in the line-up. “When I was single, I didn’t want to join a pageant because I had so many doubts with myself,” she explained. “But I am so happy because I have come out of my shell. Negative comments won’t dictate my future.”
As the only candidate who does not have a child, Llanos wants to represent mothers who are still hoping to have one someday. “I know how it feels to be depressed and pray everyday asking ‘Lord, when will be the right time?’ I will be the one to encourage and show them that even if they are childless, it will not make them less of a woman,” she said
Chetandas thanked the pageant organization for giving single moms like her a chance to compete and push for her advocacy on mental health.
Solon and Olivar, meanwhile, plan to empower farmers. “I have been supporting small farmers by raising pigs and chicken. I know some of the programs from the Department of Agriculture who support local farmers. It will help those farmers who want to earn and stay at home taking good care of these kids,” Olivar said.
Solon acknowledged, “I know this advocacy is not usual. But I know I am strong enough to face others and inspire them to touch hearts so that farmers can win.”
Awardees
Marte, who was named Best in Theme Outfit during the event, said, “In my heart and mind, I stand here as an example of a woman who has no discrimination. We stand here to say that our lives don’t stop after marriage or childbirth. We are standing here to influence the next generation of married women, single mothers, and separated women.”
Cabañero echoed her sentiments, saying, “I would tell the woman who forgot about herself, ‘Honey, it’s time to shine again!’ You cannot be a productive mom and wife if you forget about yourself. Self-esteem and self-confidence are major boosters for you to function in society and most importantly, in your family.”
Selected Darling of the Press was Batoon, who made this promise: “If I win the crown, I will not just promote my advocacy, I will go to Cebu City North, Minglanilla, Talisay, etc., and promote each of their advocacies.”
As a courtside reporter and sports anchor of Pilipinas Super League, she told The FREEMAN, “I have been interviewing a lot of athletes recently so I have heard their stories. Now, I want to share mine as well.” — (FREEMAN)