Miss Cebu: 25 Years of Beauty and Beyond

For 25 years, Cebu took on a charming face, a smart mind and a good character to be its ambassadress. She represents the Cebuanos and helps promote tourism of the Queen City of the South.

She is Miss Cebu.

On the occasion of its silver anniversary, Miss Cebu 2009 gathered the past titleholders and runners-up during the Coronation Night last January 14, 2009 at the Waterfront Hotel.

It was definitely a night of beauty and character as the past Miss Cebu (formerly called Miss Cebu Tourism) winners from years 1984 to 2008 showed how they remained gorgeous through the years.

From young ladies, they have grown into empowered women, successful in the different endeavors they have chosen. To name a few, one became a business woman; another became a city mayor, and another became a host and model.

Three of the 25 Miss Cebu winners shared what it has been like back in their time and what has changed over the years.

The Host and Model

Miss Cebu Tourism 1999 Maria Del Carmen “Menchu” Antigua is now an event host, TV host, model and voice talent. In fact, she has been hosting Miss Cebu since 2001.

“They always invite me and it’s my pleasure to host the pageant. A lot of things have happened. What I am right now is far from what I used to be,” Menchu shared.

She admitted that back then she was really very shy. She was afraid of public speaking and facing the crowd.

“But through Miss Cebu Tourism, I realized I can do it. Kaya ko pala,” she exclaimed.

Being part of the 25 beauties of Cebu, Menchu feels greatly honored.

“It feels good to be part of Miss Cebu, to be in good company with these people. I was even glad that they were able to invite the very first Miss Cebu. It was moving,” she said.

With the theme then of Miss Cebu Tourism: Crossing the New Millennium, the candidates were featured in an all-white production. Menchu won Best in Evening Gown.

The Mayor

Miss Cebu Tourism – Australia 1987 Jennifer Wee-Tan is now the mayor of Tangub City, Misamis Occidental.

“They never knew in Tangub that I was Miss Cebu, until someone from Cebu announced it. I wanted to show them what I am capable of doing and not be prejudged since I was a titleholder,” the lady mayor said.

True enough, she was awarded as one of the best city mayors in the Philippines in 2001. She was the only woman and sole nominee from Mindanao.

“Through this, I was able to let people see beauty queens in a different level. May utak din kami. Over the years, Miss Cebu has helped me a lot with my self-confidence,” she smiled.

She now has four beautiful children, three girls and one boy. But for her, she won’t dictate the future of her children. Should one of the girls want to follow in her footsteps, she would be willing to support her.

Until now, Jennifer has kept her grace and beauty. “It goes with the looks. I always keep a happy disposition. I think positive,” she said.

Miss Cebu Tourism – Australia 1987 was crowned in Sydney, Australia to establish relationship with the said country.

The Business Woman

Finally, one of the well-applauded moments during the Coronation night was when Miss Cebu Tourism 1984 Janice Banez Minor, the first-ever titleholder, walked down the stage.

“It feels so flattering to have started a legacy. And it is more wonderful to see how much the pageant has grown more prestigious each year,” she said.

Back then, their pageant had a different selection process.

“Ours was a lengthy and complicated one. We were a batch of 50 ladies. Then, we’re trimmed down to 12 and finally five. It was like getting through three pageants. We even had swimsuit portion before and I was the oldest contestant. I was 23,” she narrated.

Their final question that time was that if they would be given a certain amount of money, what would they do with it.

She could remember her answer well even until now, “I said I will invest in real estate specifically a house in Ma. Luisa. I will rent it out. That way, I can earn as well.”

She didn’t get the chance to join other pageants because shortly after her reign, she got married. Right now, Janice is a businesswoman involved in export and a mother of twins.

“Miss Cebu got me started. It set my foot and I never stopped. Even until now, in the furniture industry, when I travel, I always invite people to Cebu, promoting the tourism industry here,” she said.

Miss Cebu Tourism 1984 was held in Japan to establish sisterhood between Tokyo and Cebu. Janice said the project was successful as they were able to channel direct flights between the two cities.

These three past title holders proved how Miss Cebu has helped the ladies grow into who they are right now. From the past to the present, these titleholders became model examples of women from the Queen City of the South. 

Having maintained its prestige and honor, Miss Cebu will continue to celebrate beauty, intelligence and character among ladies, 25 years and beyond.