Two stand-outs at the Miss Cebu pre-pageant

CEBU, Philippines - What can we say, they came a long way since their public launch last November as official hopefuls of the Miss Cebu 2012 batch.

All appearing competition-ready and displaying more confidence than ever during last Friday night’s pre-pageant event at the Fuente Osmeña Circle, the twelve girls gave an exciting preview of what the crowd can expect on finals this Wednesday (January 11) --- what else but a showdown of charm, poise and elegance that the Cebuana is known for the world over.

“It is any one’s game,” says one of the candidates whom we asked to assess her chances of winning the crown. Truly it is, but two ladies did get more nods from judges that evening. 

Jonnie Rose Louise Wee, 19, was awarded Best in Fun Wear and Most Beautiful of the Night by Mosbeau. She wore a strapless cocktail creation by young designer Harvey Cenit (who also brought home the Best Designer in Fun Wear award). “It’s really flattering and at the same time unbelievable. I believed there were others who looked equally and even more beautiful than I did,” remarked Wee.

A graduating Nursing student from Velez College, Wee considers her “addiction to learning” as her edge among the other finalists, adding that it has always been a trait of hers to feel more motivated to succeed each time she is faced with a challenge.

The former Miss Velez 2010 admits that she still needs to master controlling her nerves on stage. “Nerves are normal and can even facilitate performance in moderate levels, but many have already been victimized by the inability to manage them. I’m really working on it so that I won’t be a victim as well.”

Another 19-year-old future nurse April Anne Claire White was chosen Miss Gems and Designs by Premium Concepts. This one’s half-British and is studying at the University of Cebu-Banilad. “I need to learn to smile on stage without shaking. I’ve been known to strive to win, so I will do my best.”

Judging that evening were Miss Cebu 2011 Mia Zeeba Ali Faridoon, Cebu Fashion Designers Association President Protacio Empaces, Chief Executive Officer of Mosbeau Philippines Gerford Balderas and Cebu City Tourism Commissioner Philip Rodriguez.

The twelve finalists first went up on the makeshift stage in fashionable outfits by SM Department Store’s Miss Couture. Later on, they paraded in batches of three in fun wear designs by Cenit, Pinky Magalona, Bree Esplanada and Roni Yu.

Outgoing winners led by Faridoon and her runners-up Teffanie Llamada, Vanessa Amman and Aiko Serrano also dazzled in their Mique Yapching dresses.

While Mr. Cebu 2009 and “MagTV Na!” host Borgy Cabigas and Miss Cebu 2010 Reena Elena Malinao hosted the program, homegrown talents such as the dance crew King’s Gambit (Showtime grand finalist) and Sinulog Idol champions Jacky Chang and Rachelle Mae Faelnar revved up the crowd with their energizing performances.  (FREEMAN)