Crowning of a new Beauty

CEBU, Philippines - One of the most anticipated highlights of the yearly Sinulog festivities is the crowning of a new beauty. Who will be crowned as Cebu’s most beautiful Cebuana?

This year promises to be a feast for beauties as 12 gorgeous candidates will compete for the coveted crown. They are Michelle Angelique Tan, 21 - a registered nurse, Ann Caryl Gotingco, 24 – financial service advisor, Mary Hazel Haruka Watabe, 18 – Occupational Therapy student, Rachel Chloe Palang, 23 – Account Executive, Cynthia Lois D. Tac-an, 22 – AB Masscom student, Pierre Anther Infante, 21 – disc jockey, Ella Beverly Sarmago, 21 – Marketing Specialist, Herlie Kim Artugue, 20 – BS Nursing student, April Ann White, 19 – BS Nursing student, Jonnie Rose Lois Wee, 19 – BS Nursing student, Shannen Abarquez, 20 – Tourism student, Lesly Anne Fernandez, 23 – Nursing Graduate. With the line-up of candidates this year, it’s going to be a tough competition. CCTC Commissioner Philip Rodriguez is ecstatic with the turn-out of candidates. "They are all beautiful, smart and articulate with their advocacies," Rodriguez told The Freeman.

What makes Miss Cebu pageant different each year is how the theme is integrated throughout the program, from its well choreographed production numbers, appealing stage design and to the intricate designs of Cebu’s most celebrated designers. It's amazing how ace director Junjet Primor put all things together. The nightly rehearsals serve as preview of how fabulous the show will be.

In a text message, Jaja Chiongbian-Rama, CCTC Commissioner and Miss Cebu 2012 project chairperson said that it’s going to be very exciting. "I think Miss Cebu is getting better as the year goes by but something to look forward to this year is the theme which is the Cebu City Tourism Commission’s campaign this year – What’s New in Old Cebu". This is in line with the Cebu City having been recently recognized as an ASEAN City of culture for its heritage and creative industries. "The production numbers will be very informative as we trace our Asean links during the pre colonial days," Phillip Rodriguez added.

As it showcases the collections of Cebu’s crème de la crème of fashion, it is also fitting to feature homegrown talents. Pilipinas Got Talent Season 2 Grand Finalist Jem Cubil and American Idol finalist Monique Rae together with ABS-CBN Cebu’s K-Boys will be performing during the pageant. Kapamilya hunk and actor, Rafael Rossel (who hails from Daan Bantayan) and Miss Cebu beauties Blinky De Leon and Reena Malinao will be the hosts for the evening.

A source revealed that a "major, major" beauty queen will be among those responsible in choosing the next ambassadress of the city. Let’s witness all together the crowning of a new beauty at the Miss Cebu 2012 Coronation night at the Grand Pacific Ballroom of the Waterfront Cebu City Hotel tonight, January 11, 2011, 7 pm. Miss Cebu 2012 will be shown live to an audience of over 4,000 and will be telecast to over 8 million viewers of Studio 23, Kabarkada Mo!

Miss Cebu tickets are available at the Waterfront Cebu City Hotel and at the Cebu City Tourism office. (FREEMAN)