The people behind Miss Cebu Tourism

The annual quest for the title of Ms. Cebu is without a doubt a much-anticipated event.

The search has been a project of the Cebu City Tourism Commission headed by Vice Mayor Michael Rama who has enthusiastically dedicated himself to this endeavor.

The twelve lovely ladies with all the bloom of youth displayed grace under pressure as they underwent a series of courses and workshops on communication skills conducted by the Toastmasters District 75, table manners illustrated by Cebu Marriott Hotel General Manager Karl Hudson, personality development by John Robert Powers, as well as a series of familiarization tours of the city's natural wonders and historical landmarks.

A fabulous opening number was ingeniously choreographed and directed by ace director Junjet Primor. It presented the aspirants in some resort outfits by leisure wear exponents such as Arcy Gayatin, Joy Bernaldez, Protacio and Ray Kuan.

The evening gown portion of the program which usually brings out the glamour and sophistication of the contestants showcased the artistic genius of the island's designers like Oj Hofer, Marichu Tan, Ronald Enrico, Sal Malto, William Manahan, Mario Colmenares, Ditas Rodriguez, Jude Elardo, Myrna Cebrecus, Jun Escario, Dino Lloren, Harley Ruedas, Edwin Ao, Ren Manabat and Wendell Quisido who won the Best Designer Award.

The pageant judges included Charo Santos Concio - Vice President of ABS CBN Broadcasting Corp., Suzzanne Wong - Manager of Cathay Pacific Cebu, Rajo Laurel - talented fashion designer, Philip Cu Unjieng - Editor at large of Metro Magazine and Simeon Ventura,Jr. - Editor in Chief of Mabuhay Magazine.

After much deliberation, the first of many awards was announced. Karla Ginteroy was Ms. Waterfront Friendship, Carmen Victoria Tiu was Ms. Myra E and Stephanie Señires was Ms. Fuji YKL Photogenic, as well as Best in Evening Gown.

Before long, the members of the court were presented, as follows: Angel Luzano, Karla Ginteroy, Elane Gica and Jan Marie Aliño first, second, third and fourth, respectively. And finally, the evening's favorite eighteen-year-old Stephanie Señires, a psychology student at the University of San Carlos, romped away with the Ms. Cebu 2006 crown.

Perfectionist Philip Rodriguez was over-all chairman of the pageant. The Tourism Commissioners include Councilor Arsenio Pacaña, MCIAA Manager Adelberto Yap, DOT Regional Director Dawnie Roa, Arts Council president Petite Garcia, Olivia Uy Dizon, Joan Tiu, Joseph Gaisano, Jessica Avila, Tetta Baad and this writer.

Ms. Cebu 2006 will receive among other valuable prizes a trip to either America, Europe or Africa by Cathay Pacifc Airways, the pageant's official international airline, a trip to Hongkong with her court, cash prize of P50,000, painting by Andrew Barba valued at P45,000, gift pack by Rustans and a Fuji camera. The runners up will likewise get cash prizes of P20,000 each , footwear from Alberto Shoes, gift packs from Powerlab Worldwide Corp. and jusi outfits by Joy Bernaldez Exclusives and Island Souvenir for the fun t-shirts.