Cebuana crowned Jewel of the Philippines

CEBU, Philippines - Proud Mandauehanon Natasha Angela Lim Manuel nabbed the top crown during the inaugural edition of the Jewel of the Philippines pageant, organized by fashion designer and eventologist John dela Vega. She bested 22 other beautiful and smart ladies from all over the country during the finals night held August 10 at the Tanghalang Pasigueño.

The Cebu Runway’s Best 2010 runner-up will represent the Philippines in the Jewel of the World pageant to be held in Manila next year. If fate allows, she could be the international pageant’s first title-holder.

Manuel, 21, is an Accounting Technology graduate from the University of San Carlos. She completed her on-the-job training in New York City and is a Top 8 placer in the nationwide Civil Service Eligibility exam. The beauty queen now works in a bank.

During her reign, the 5’8” stunner will advocate for women empowerment and protection of the welfare of children. During the press launch of Miss Cebu 2014, where she was one of the finalists, Manuel had expressed her passion towards children, which is the result of growing up without siblings.

“But contrary to what people perceive about an only-child, I didn’t grow up spoiled. My mother gives me everything I need and want, but she raised me as a single mother which is the reason why I look up to her the most. She got married a year after I met my biological father. And that was the happiest moment of my life – meeting my father,” Manuel had shared then.

Manuel, who had also tried her luck in the Miss Mandaue 2013 pageant, believes that the true meaning of beauty is not what is seen but what is felt and shared.

She is handled by the Crowns and Scepters agency, headed by renowned Cebuano designer and show director Lemuel Rosos. Rosos got his directorial debut through the Psalmstre-mounted show dubbed “Katrina Halili Sexy September Affair” fashion show in 2008. He was also responsible for the successful Garbo sa Sugbo fashion show, Sexy Bodies of Summer 2012, and the Mr. and Ms. Olive-C Campus Model Cebu pageant series, making him one of Psalmstre CEO Jim Acosta’s favorite Cebuano directors.

Aside from Manuel, Rosos also handles other famous talents including Binibining Pilipinas 2016 finalist Maria Gigante and Mr. Olive-C Campus Model Philippines 2013 first runner-up Nathaniel Tiu, who recently passed the board exams to become a certified mining engineer.

Other winners of the Jewel of the Philippines 2016 are Romellean Joy Pontino of Nueva Vizcaya who will represent the Philippines in Miss United Continents 2017 (Jeslyn Santos will be the entry for 2016), Ina Patricia Gita of Bulacan for Miss Globe International 2017, Gladys Louise Santos of Valenzuela City for Miss World Peace 2016 and Cindy de Vera of Pangasinan for Charity Queen International 2016. (FREEMAN)