Miss Mandaue 2014’s early favorite

CEBU, Philippines - Miss Mandaue 2014 is off to a hot start, with one mestiza candidate nabbing the first two pre-pageant awards: the Darling of the Press and Best in Talent.

Five-foot-four stunner Melody Hodgson emerged the media’s choice after a grueling Q&A with Cebu’s broadcast and print reporters last Friday during the Darling of the Press selection at the Insular Square Mall.

Later in the evening for the pageant’s Talent Night, the 18-year-old impressed judges yet again with her scorching performance of  Beyonce’s “Sweet Dreams.”

The other Miss Mandaue 2014 finalists aren’t far behind in giving Hodgson stiff competition. They are: Sylva Stevenson, Sheila Belandres, Aivy Castro, April White, Sam dela Peña, Ryannah Moseley, Therese Pedrera, Fatima Alsowyed, Raven Ravanes, Mikee Beltran and Lou Piczon.

The annual beauty contest, one of the main activities of the city’s fiesta in May, has become a stepping stone of sorts for aspiring beauty queens here in Cebu. Just a few Miss Mandaue winners and runners-up who went on to win in Miss Cebu or other national and international tilts are Stephanie Siñeres, Sarah Katrina Miñoza, Anna Maris Igpit, Nicole Schmitz, Louise Angelique Tan, Karla Henry, Sian Maynard and Rizzini Alexis Gomez.

Coronation night will be held May 7th, at the Mandaue City Sports Complex. — VAB