Beauteous belles at Santacruzan At the Waterfront

Highly anticipated, the recent Santacruzan at the Waterfront did not disappoint. What with a full force of Cebu's society belles participating as zagalas depicting the Blessed Virgin's virtues as their titles. As with tradition based on the crusade, Reina Emperatriz and Reina Elena were portrayed by none other than Madames Elvira Luym and Yedda Kittilstvedt Romualdez, respectively. The former in a fuschia fitted corset terno and bubbled skirt by Philip Rodriguez and the latter in a gemstone blue retro inspired terno by Jun Escario.

Organized by the team efforts of Clothes for Life Foundation and Hotel, Resort and Restaurants' Association of Cebu (HRRAC), more than thirty zagalas paraded in their ternos at the lagoon area of Waterfront Hotel in Lahug that culminated in the cavernous grand ballroom of the same hotel.

All were dressed in their best finery. Aside from the abovementioned beauteous belles, most notable were Ms. Sonia Yuvallos in an Albert Arriba chic terno, Dr. Cheryl Carcel in a butter yellow jusi terno by Joy Bernaldez, Karla Bautista in a stylized black, brown, teal and white terno by Ray Kuan, Ms Cebu 2006 Stephanie Señires in a pink and silver bouffant terno by Wendell Quisido, Ms Melanie Ouano in a yellow lace tern by Mario Colmenares, Angel Luzano in a floralia and paisley printed terno by Alejandro Godinez , Diane Mae Geson in a canary yellow terno by Marichu Tan and Elvira Stehr in a contemporary asymmetric terno with a bolero by Allain Fonte.

Everybody was in a festive mood as tradition merged with pageantry and glamour that turned solemn as the Queen of all Queens, the Blessed Virgin Mary, on her caro fully adorned with colorful flowers, made Her entrance at the grand ballroom. Kudos to Mr. Marco Protacio, Ms. Aissa de la Cruz, Mr Salvador Malto, Ms. Marichu Tan, Mr. Val Sandiego and Mr. Junjet Primor for a truly grand event. Bravissimo!