Danao City bet is Best in Runway at Sinulog Festival Queen 2025 Prelims

CEBU, Philippines — Out of 22 candidates who showcased their diverse festival outfits as they danced through the runway during the preliminary round of Sinulog Festival Queen 2025, it was Franz Pilapil from Danao City who made a strong impression among the judges who chose her Best in Runway.

The 21-year-old tourism management student from the University of San Carlos captivated the audience at SM Seaside City's Cube Wing Atrium, Monday, January 13, with her white and gold ensemble. Her outfit featured Señor Sto. Niño’s crown placed behind her head and wings adorned with flute-playing baby angels.

“This is my first time entering a festival competition, and everything feels so surreal. I am thankful for Sto. Niño for this opportunity,” Pilapil told reporters after her win.

Sofi Maxim Grenmo of Lapu-Lapu City and Mary Josephine Paaske earned the first and second runner-up slots, respectively, in the same category.

“This is my third time joining a festival competition, so I am so happy that my hard work has paid off. I am devoting this achievement to Señor Sto. Niño because without my connection to Him, I wouldn’t be here in the first place,” said Grenmo, a Miss World Philippines 2024 finalist.

“While I was on stage, I was also praying. I gave my heart during my performance on the runway, so I am grateful for this big achievement all thanks to Sto. Niño,” added Paaske, who represented Talisay City at Miss Universe Philippines 2024.

Before the top three candidates were announced, Vice Mayor Dondon Hontiveros commended all the ladies for bearing such heavy and intricate outfits, each weighing an estimated 20 kilograms on average.

“You don’t see them struggle on stage, they kept smiling. They are going to have to perform again and dance for six kilometers, all because of their devotion to Señor Sto. Niño,” Hontiveros remarked.

With the coronation night set Friday, January 17, at the Cebu City Sports Center, the top three runway finalists shared that they are focused on rehearsing their dance routines while attending novena masses to strengthen their faith.

“It’s all about strength training and practicing my choreography while also enjoying the journey. I am also going to Mass throughout the week so that I am spiritually ready for this Friday,” Grenmo shared.

Outgoing Sinulog Festival Queen Mariel Bogert emphasized that perseverance and strong devotion are crucial to becoming her successor.

“People say that a festival queen should be physically beautiful, but they should also be beautiful on the inside. This is Sinulog. It’s not about showcasing our physical looks, but what’s deep inside our hearts and how devoted we are to Señor Sto. Niño”, she said.

The rest of the 22 candidates are Mary Ellen Hauschildt from Banay San Nicolasnon; Kisreel Olmedo - Maampoong Baniladnon; Kiana Opolentisima - Activong Binaliwhanon; Sheena Durano - Barangay Zapatera; Arriana Chrystel Torres - Mandaue City; Nadine Faith McCoy - Talisay City; Janna Maloloy-on - Toledo City; Cyrene Chavaria Ponce - Tribu Malipayon of Consolacion; Kate Alisson Lequit - Isla Camotes; and Denise Carmel Perales - Sinulog sa Carmen.

Also competing are representatives from collectives: Britanny Verleysen from Hugpong Mananayaw ng Bayan - UP Cebu; Dheya Casio Jaculbe from the Kalunasan Cultural Dance Group; Sachi Silvano from the Inayawan Talents Guild and Cultural Troupe; Mary Ann Alvarado from Banay Asianistas - ACT; and Griffin Abigan from Tribu Kamanting Performing Arts Guild Barug Dinagat.

The line-up is completed by non-Cebuano contingents, including Nicole Patrice Romero from the Bais City Festival of Harvests in Negros Oriental; Angel Mae Dongcoy from Zamboanga Hermosa Festival; Cristille Shane Maganding from Kabilin Mindanaw in Davao Occidental; and Izzy Grace Caña representing Tabaco College from Albay. — (FREEMAN)