Miss Cebu Bets Visit The Freeman

CEBU, Philippines - Half of this year’s Miss Cebu contenders recently graced The FREEMAN newsroom as part of the requisite media and sponsor visits before the much-awaited coronation night this January 11.

Fresh-faced beauties Michelle Angelique Tan, Mary Hazel Haruka Watabe, Cynthia Lois Tac-an, Jonnie Rose Louise Wee, Shannen Abarquez and Lesley Anne Fernandez were in fine form when they visited the editorial office of Cebu’s oldest newspaper and browsed through that day’s relevant headlines.

By now, all twelve candidates should have a clearer view of the Queen City of which they’re competing to be its 28th ambassadress, after the culture seminars, heritage tours and community outreach activities they’ve experienced.

They must also by now be polished, better versions of their lovely selves since their public introduction last November, what with the personality development workshops, public speaking seminars and exposure they’ve been subjected to since they became finalists.

We’ll find out for ourselves if this is the case on pre-pageant night happening this Friday, January 6, 7pm at the Fuente Osmeña Circle.

In a press release sent out by Jaja Chiongbian-Rama of the Cebu City Tourism Commission, the girls will be wearing the creations of some of Cebu’s top young designers namely, Pinky Magalona, Bree Esplanada, Roni Yu and Harvey Cenit, all with maquillage by the Make Up Artists Club of Cebu.

Special awards will be handed out on that evening for Best in Fun Wear, Mosbeau’s Miss Beautiful of the Night, Premium Concept’s Miss Sandee and Marco Polo Hotel’s Image Award. The Best Fun Wear Designer will also be recognized. These awards and sponsor citations will hopefully give us a feel of who’s ahead of the pack.

But like past years have proven, majority awardees during pre-pageant don’t always emerge the victor come finals night. For instance, Miss Cebu 2011 Mia Zeeba Faridoon went home empty-handed during the pre-pageant ceremonies.

Coronation night is still at the Pacific Grand Ballroom of Waterfront Hotel, which will be telecast live over Studio 23 and video streamed online through the website cebucitytourism.com.

Tickets to the event (priced at P300, P1,000 and P1,500) can be purchased at the Cebu City Tourism Office located at the second floor of the Rizal Museum and Public Library at Osmeña Boulevard, at the Waterfront Cebu City Hotel and Casino or from Miss Cebu booths in Ayala Center Cebu and SM City Cebu.