Bb. Lutopan supports tourism, youth empowerment

CEBU, Philippines - Strengthening local tourism potentials and empowering the youth through sports became the highlight of this year’s Binibining Lutopan pageant held at the Corazon Regis-Cabrera DAS Cultural and Multipurpose Center in Lutopan, Toledo City last Saturday.

College student Catherine Cuerpo was crowned Bb. Lutopan 2016. She bested nine other equally beautiful ladies all over Southern Cebu who showcased their talent, wit, and intelligence in a three-hour simple but elegant production.

Nineteen-year-old Lhe Jean Mae Palarion was chosen Bb. Tumbaga. The Naga City, Cebu native also won Ms. Showbiz Sosyal, People’s Choice and Best in Talent minor awards.

Mia Tamayo, 18, of Toledo City, who also received the Ms. Olive-C award, won Bb. Kiusa, while Sharmaine Richards and Aiphrelle Uy were named first and second runners-up respectively. Eighteen-year-old Richards, who currently studies at the University of San Carlos, was also adjudged Ms. New Placenta, Bb. Photogenic, and Best in Filipiniana.

The Bb. Lutopan winners promised to help the barangay in intensifying its efforts to promote the tourist attractions of the Lutopan-Toledo City area that include Spring Park Mountain Resort, The Ranch, Malubog Lake, Manguyakuya Falls, Capilla Santa Ana Museum and Community Center, and Hinulawan Festival.

The winners also vowed to act as youth ambassadors and create sports programs in order to discourage young people from engaging in illegal drug-related activities. One of this year’s pageant presenters was Psalmstre Enterprises, represented by its Cebu branch marketing and events officer DJ Rico Panyero. Psalmstre believes that beauty pageants could be an effective agent of change, that is why it always supports activities like this. (FREEMAN)