Miss Cebu wins Aliwan Festival Queen

MANILA, Philippines - Rizzini Alexis Gomez of Cebu was crowned Festival Queen in glittering ceremonies capping this year’s Aliwan Fiesta. The 19-year-old nursing student from Mandaue is the daughter of former PBA player Ruel Gomez. The statuesque beauty edged out Angelie Joy Golingay of Iloilo, Maricel Gabalfin of Pampanga, Shihan Go of Caloocan and Mariel Joyce Pascua of South Cotabato.

Rizzini was also named Best in Swimsuit and Best in Evening Gown. Mariel Joyce also earned special awards for Best in Festival Costume and Miss Talent.  

The panel of judges included designer Edgar San Diego, Miss Earth 2004 Priscilla Mereilles, 2003 MTV Fashionistas Best Model of the World-Philippines Raphael Kieffer, supermodel Evita Bunyi and DZRH assistant station manager Deo Macalma.

Aliwan Fiesta is an annual summer cultural extravaganza produced by Manila Broadcasting Company, Star City and the Cultural Center of the Philippines, in cooperation with SM Mall of Asia and the City of Pasay, with support from Smart Communications, Unilab, My Juiz, Alaska, Coca-Cola, 555, Wings Detergent, Amway, Aquabest, Vital Purified Drinking Water, Paramount Insurance, McDonald’s, M. Lhuillier, Bayview Plaza and the Atrium Hotel.