Reigning Miss Cebu Reena Elena Malinao all set to pass on crown

CEBU, Philippines - As the city crowns its brand-new beauty ambassadress tonight at the Pacific Grand Ballroom of the Waterfront Cebu City Hotel & Casino, outgoing Miss Cebu 2010 Reena Elena Malinao hopes that the next winner will continue her batch’s efforts of working with an organization that helps young abused women.

“That is what our batch considers our legacy. Aside from the endeavor of helping street children, we hope they continue being role models and an inspiration to young women who want to achieve their dreams,” Reena tells The Freeman.

She shares that she’ll never forget their first visit to an institution for unfortunate girls. The beauty queens made the young women happy for spending time with them. For Reena, the significant role of Miss Cebu is to be of service and be an inspiration for others, which she will be glad for the next batch to carry on.

A licensed nurse who obtained her degree from Cebu Normal University, Reena’s whole-year reign has widened her perspective in life and made her aware of other things she’s capable of doing. The moment her reign ends, she is dead-set on being a full-fledged career woman. Although being a health care professional is one of the many options she plans to pursue, Reena will yet see which field she can be a greater asset in. “Many are the plans in a man’s heart, but it is God’s purpose that prevails,” she quotes a passage.

Reena enjoyed her stint so much that she could not pinpoint any difficult aspect of being a Miss Cebu titleholder. She made sacrifices along the way, but every single moment she considers a blessing, an opportunity to become better and inspire others.

Even when she had to contend with criticisms right after her unanimous win, the morena Cebuana kept her head high. She came out of nowhere and beat early favorites by nailing the question and answer portion.

In an earlier interview with Cebu City Councilor and Chairperson on Tourism Margot Osmeña during the Miss Cebu 2011 candidates’ press presentation, she then told The Freeman that because Reena didn’t fit most people’s stereotype of a beauty queen, she had to prove more. “She had to go the extra mile to prove that she deserved this. It had to go beyond her appearance, because most had a common concept that Miss Cebu should be a mestiza like [previous winners] Sian Maynard and Kris Janson. But that’s not to take away anything from anybody, because they’re all so very good,” Osmeña said.

Reena has consistently not allowed negative thoughts to get to her and rule her mind. “When I have a heart full of gratitude for all the blessings I received during the entire year of serving the people as Miss Cebu, it is more than difficult to think of anything other than happy thoughts. What matters most now is that I had a fruitful reign and that I will pass on the crown to the next deserving queen who will continue to inspire and make a difference in others’ lives.”

She picks her trip to Hong Kong with the 2010 runners-up as the most memorable of her Miss Cebu activities. It was her first international travel. But apart from the perks, Reena appreciates most the gift of friendship with people from all walks of life.

“I would like to be remembered as that simple lady who dreamt, believed and strove hard to achieve her dreams and eventually, inspired others to do the same. In my reign, I did my very best to reach out and be with people – esteemed politicians, industrious businessmen, young kids who live in the streets, sick people who needed care, entertainers, international guests, media men and women, young abused girls, respected men in uniform, medical professionals and many others.”

For this evening’s grand coronation that will be aired live over Studio 23, Reena has this advice for the 12 candidates, mouthing another one of her favorite quotations in the process: “Among all the emotions they would have to bear with, I’m sure it is fear that would surface the most. As I told them on the first day, each one of them is a winner in their own right. You just have to enjoy that night that you have all worked hard for, and be reminded to lift everything up to Him for it is His purpose that prevails. Have faith. As an old English proverb says, “Fear knocked on the door. Faith answered. No one was there.”