Twenty lovely candidates vying for a crown. Twenty representations of true beauty and astuteness. Charm, poise, personality and wit will determine who among these 20 hopefuls will bear the title “Ms Mandaue 2008.”
Just recently, Mandaue City presented to the media the 20 contenders of the prestigious Ms Mandaue 2008 pageant. The official 20 candidates are Angeline Misagrande, 18; Rodelyn Ann Buena, 20; Phoebe Kaye Fernandez, 20; Ciarra Joyce Buot, 19; Fatima Yvonne Flores, 17; Steffany Thomas, 19; Mon Therese Menaling, 16; Claudette Rose Destriza, 19; Mary Antonette Giangan, 16; Benjielyn Rose Ongluico, 16; Rizzini Alexis Gomez, 17; Jessa Mae Rosal, 21; Rosemary Gore, 16; Jannylyn Tiopes, 17; Regine Angeles Ceniza, 16; Kimberly Rose Cabrera, 18; Alexis Arcenas, 19; Hyacienth Diva Mantalaba, 17; Celeste Cristy Cajegas, 18; and Mayumi Desiree Bister, 20.
This pageant, which serves as a highlight of the fiesta celebration of Mandaue City, is the annual search for a vibrant, young lady who will become ambassadress of goodwill and representative of the city and its people in various functions and gatherings for the whole year.
According to organizers, Ms. Mandaue should have it all—from wit, aptitude, charm, virtuous character, to beauty inside-out. She must be gutsy, tough, firm and agile enough to withstand the challenges and fulfill the responsibilities that come along with the title.
Hosted by Sian Elizabeth Meynard, reigning Ms. Mandaue and Ms. Cebu, together with former Ms. Mandaue and Bb. Pilipinas - World 2006, Ana Maris Igpit, a poolside presentation was held at the Cebu Whitesands last April 26, 2008. Representatives from different media organizations served as the panel for the open forum wherein each candidate answered various questions, all of which rendered a preview of the candidates’ gift of gab as well as grasp of issues.
For the question on their plans for the City of Mandaue if and when they win the title, the candidates expressed their interest in pursuing sports, environmental and tourism-related projects, among others. Like Phoebe Fernandez, a magna cum laude Nursing grad from University of San Carlos, she will work on environmental awareness to “keep Mandaue a healthy and progressive City.” For Fatima Flores, a Silliman University student, she wants to conduct a medical program for the prisoners of Mandaue City jail. “Even if they are outlaws, they are still part of the community, and thus they need attention.” Mayumi Bister, who said that “even if I’m from Bohol, I took the risk and challenge to join this competition,” would work on a sports campaign should she win the title. Alexis Arcenas, on the other hand, plans on mobilizing the youth to organize charity concerts to have more people visit Mandaue and thus, see its beauty.
When asked what makes them fit for the title, Hyacienth Mantalaba, a BS Tourism student at University of San Jose-Recoletos said, “I may not be the most beautiful but at least I believe that I’m doing my best.” Regine Ceniza, who serves as the SK Chair of Mantuyong, Mandaue said, “The city and I are both genuine. We show our natural beauty and independence. We stand on what we believe is true and good for everyone.” For Rosemary Gore, on the other hand, she said, “I know I have the character to be a role model not only to the youth but to everyone in Mandaue,” adding that it is not enough for a beauty queen to be beautiful and intellectual, but she has to have character. As for Ciarra Buot, a Nursing student at Cebu Doctors University, “I have what it takes to be Ms. Mandaue ‘08 [because] I posess the beauty that radiates with difference, I shine with my inner grace, strength and confidence. I will be a beauty queen for a night, but I’m more than willing to serve Mandaue.”
The candidates are still undergoing further preparations for the pageant night proper on May 7, 2008 which will be held at the Cebu International Convention Center. These include workshops on speaking, personality development, etc. as well as rehearsals for the Talent’s Night today, May 1, at the Mandaue Cultural Complex. Voting is ongoing for Ms. Photogenic. Just log on to www.itsgenius.com.