The Beauties of Miss Cebu 2011

CEBU, Philippines - Now on its 27th year, the Miss Cebu organization has yet to run out of eligible hopefuls who are all eager to represent the Queen City of the South. The 12 official candidates for Miss Cebu 2011 were presented to the media last week at the Aegean Room of Waterfront Hotel and Casino in Lahug.

Miss Cebu 2010 Reena Elena Malinao's successor will be crowned on January 12, 2011 in a coronation night that Cebu City Tourism Commissioner Philip Rodriguez promises to be its grandest production so far, with the world's most famous festivals including our very own Sinulog Festival as its central theme.

As an initial introduction of the young ladies and to help you pick your early bets, The Freeman did this light exercise of fill-in-the-blanks.

Katrina Raye Yuson, 19, 5'3"

It annoys me when: someone makes comments on other people's lives. For I think they have their own lives to live and we have our own to mind.

My best asset is: having a heart that is full of love, a helping hand and an ear that is very willing to listen.

Fave celebrity: Angelina Jolie, for she is a sophisticated woman; Kris Aquino for being a woman of voice and confidence.

Candidate in our batch who I think is the best speaker: I have not appointed one yet since we've been together for just a few days only.

Kerrie Glad Arapoc, 18, 5'3"

To be in winning form come coronation night, I need to improve on: my speaking skills and I need to have more stage confidence.

My no-fail outfit: It's any polo shirt or formal blouse, paired with skinny jeans and wedges.

I handle stage jitters by: praying and telling myself a hundred times that I can do it!

I'm proud to be Cebuana because: I know Cebu very well by heart. I live, breathe and eat as a Cebuana!

Rosemary Gore, 18, 5'4"

I think the sincerest girl in our batch is: every girl here. So far, I believe everyone is being themselves.

I let a guy know I like him by: enjoying the things I like to do with him. Go out on an adventure, get lost together, watch anime and play video games. Then basically tell him straight to his face.

To unwind, I: play my guitar. Let thoughts freely flow with my music. Lie on my bed and watch anime with my brothers.

Wisest decision I've made so far: choosing and deciding what career I want and getting started with the process.

Katrina Jane Esmas, 18, 5'4"

First page I flip to when reading a newspaper is: the main story because I really want to get updated on current events.

I wish Cebu had: a theme park!

I'm turned on by a guy who: smells really good and is smart.

Fave books: Memoirs of a Geisha, Twilight Saga

Benjielyn Rose Ongluico, 19, 5'4"

Place in Cebu that I have yet to go to and am dying to visit: Bantayan Island! They say it's so amazing there. But of course, anywhere you go in Cebu is nice and simply breathtaking.

Advocacy project I'll work on if I win Miss Cebu: I'd propose a project that would focus on the youth's future because they say the youth is the hope of the fatherland. I'd definitely focus on the youth especially those who are short of opportunities.

I am saddest when: my mom goes to Surigao. I'm so close to my mom and she's my bestfriend so it saddens me when she's away.

I took up my college course because: I love numbers and solving Math problems. I chose a course that will both interest and challenge me, that's why I was lured into taking Accountancy.

Teffanie Lene Llamada, 21, 5'4"

One of my regrets is: when I learned the art of procrastination. Fortunately, I was able to conquer it.

I think the prettiest girl in our batch is: me :)

I am happiest when: I touch lives and eventually facilitate a holistic change to people. I am happy when I see the people around me happy.

I wish the Cebu City government would clean up this place: Day-as area and a corner in Sanciangko St., across the University of Cebu main campus.

Maureen Gail Espina, 19, 5'5"

Best advice I got from a beauty pageant mentor: 1.) Your image must have to be between innocent and sexy 2.) Be goal-oriented 3.) Know your purpose 4.) And to always acknowledge God.

Why winning the Miss Cebu crown is important for me: I strongly believe that I can be a good role model of the youth since I have gone through lots of life experiences already. Winning Miss Cebu is also one way of letting society know my identity. I have a purpose of bringing change and development in Cebu.

I'm proud to be Cebuana because: I reside here, Cebu is my home, my refuge and a paradise.

My dream job: clinical psychologist, professional model and musician

Mia Zeeba Faridon, 19, 5'5"

Dining place in Cebu I'd recommend to a tourist: STK in Capitol area because the ambiance reflects the religious Cebuano culture and for its authentic Filipino food.

Pre-pageant activity I'm looking forward to the most: Workshop on proper etiquette

Movie I love watching again and again: "Inception."

One minute I'd think I'm smart, but then after a while, I'd realize I'm not that smart in decoding their problems.

I spend most of my money on: Food. I'd never have second thoughts about it.

Junelyn Bilocura, 24, 5'5"

Fave hang-outs in Cebu: I don't usually hang out, maybe because of lack of peers to go out with, but I really enjoy going to mountains and have relaxing moments there, feel the fresh air and enjoy nature's good view.

One topic I can passionately talk about is: Relationships. Because I want to tell all the girls out there that we're all special and deserve to be loved and treated important.

I'm a good youth role model because: I'm true and very determined to improve. And I can share to everyone to live life not to impress others, but to express one's self.

The least liked among the Miss Cebu candidates: Don't want to answer this because I don't want to entertain negative thoughts toward my fellow candidates. I'm just enjoying every moment of Miss Cebu and working hard for my improvement.

Erica Janine Tudtud, 21, 5'6"

Biggest threat among Miss Cebu hopefuls: I don't think anyone is a big threat because each of us has a great personality.

Fave TV shows: "America's Next Top Model", and the local news because I always want to be updated with what's happening in our society.

I'd never be caught dead wearing: very dirty shoes because I always make sure they're clean and presentable.

I maintain a beauty queen figure by: eating the right kind of food.

Vanessa Claudine Ammann, 21, 5'6"

Top 3 websites I check if I'm online: Google Search, msn.com, Facebook

Cebu needs to improve on: providing food, clothing and shelter for those on the streets; eco-tourism, especially of the central Cebu mountainside.

Winning edge among the other girls: I am open-minded, optimistic and headstrong. I am loyal to my city and have many plans for it. Although I am multi-cultured and bi-racial, Cebu is my heart and my home.

I'm turned off by guys who: lie, are disloyal, not open-minded, not adventurous, and those who aren't confident enough to love themselves.

Aiko Lyanne Serrano, 21, 5'6"

My perfect night out: Having dinner with my family I feel best wearing a: T-shirt Fave former Miss Cebu: Reena Elena Malinao because she defied all issues and did her best to promote and represent Cebu.

The one beauty product I can't live without: Lip gloss. But I don't normally wear make-up on an ordinary day.