2 shine at Miss Cebu 2016 pre-pageant

CEBU, Philippines – Are they, without question, the two girls to beat, or will someone else emerge to outshine them come pageant night?

Candidates #3 and #9 each snagged two special awards during the Miss Cebu 2016 pre-pageant event held Saturday night at The Terraces of Ayala Center Cebu.

Shaila Mae Rebortera, 19, was named Miss Gems and Designs (making her the face of the brand’s marketing and promotions for one full year) and Miss Ayala Fiesta Island (for personifying the mall’s tagline of ‘Flair beyond compare.’)

A third year Dentistry student of Cebu Doctor’s University, Rebortera was asked during the program’s casual interview segment how she prepped for that evening’s prelude to the grand coronation night.

“Aside from the workshops that were given to us by the commissioners and the Miss Cebu organizers, I also sought help from my friends and classmates, because for me, it’s important to see different perspectives –not only from adults, but also from the youth of today,” said the Miss CESAFI 2014 title-holder.

The elegant mestiza described herself as an adventurous spirit, with canyoneering being the most recent thrill-seeking escapade she experienced with her fellow candidates.

Another pre-pageant big winner was 18-year-old Gabriele Raine Baljak, who was picked Best in Fun Wear (for carrying well a black pantsuit and flowing crop top ensemble by designer Mike Yapching) and Miss Epson (for exuding the beauty and excellence of a true Cebuana and being knowledgeable of Cebu’s history and culture).

The multi-faceted daughter of Miss Cebu Tourism 1986 winner Merce Abellana shared onstage why she “doesn’t eat anything with a heartbeat.”

“I’ve grown up with a skin condition: eczema atopic dermatitis or skin asthma,” shared Baljak, a My TV host, Monster Radio DJ, model and musician.

“From what I’ve learned about this and what numerous doctors have told me, is that there’s no greater way to live life than to find a balance. And so I found a balance through eating fruits and vegetables, eating things that grow on the earth rather than eating lives and killing them. Yet I respect what other people decide to do because at the end of the day, you can’t make everyone happy. But in little ways, you can show people what you enjoy and you can share that.”

The 12 finalists walked the ramp in Fun Wear creations by Joyce Maw, Rei Escario, Mike Yapching and JP Cabigon. Named Best Fun Wear designer was Escario, whose designs were worn by Dara Nikko Calagos, Felina Joyce Lim and Francheska Marie Mamac.

The Miss Cebu 2016 Coronation Night will be held on Wednesday, January 13, 6:30 p.m. at the Pacific Grand Ballroom of the Waterfront Cebu Hotel and Casino and will be aired live over ABS CBN Sports + Action Channel 23.

Coronation night tickets are available at the online voting booths, Waterfront Cebu City Hotel and Casino and the Cebu City Tourism Office at the 2nd floor of the Rizal Museum and Public Library in Osmeña Boulevard. –VAB