Launched by the Cebu City Tourism Commission, headed by Cebu City vice mayor Michael Rama, at the ballroom of the City Sports Club, Miss Cebu 2002, the islands’ Ambassador of Goodwill, whose mission is to promote Cebu as a prime tourist destination and as a leading center for trade and industry, will be proclaimed during the celebration of the Sinulog festival come January.
As the debonair and dynamic presentor Vince Escario shared with the guests the hopes and dreams of the Tourism Commission, together with a glimpse into the exciting year that awaits the new Miss Cebu, the colorful stage dramatically revealed the gigantic pageant logo, masterfully conceptualized by Philip Rodriguez, the search chairman, designed by Mark Masa of Kalidades, and executed by May Ann Alcordo Solomon of Alcordo Advertising.
Mayor Tomas Osmeña, assisted by Tourism Commissioner Olivia Uy, then proceeded to waiting computers and pressed the buttons, thus inaugurating the Miss Cebu website, which was programmed by StyleAssembly.Com.
Cebu’s First Lady Margot Osmeña unveiled the detailed sketch of the winner’s crown of shells and flowers embellished with rhinestones and glass. Vice mayor Michael Rama showcased the pageant logo, while Patrick Gregorio, the newly-appointed Waterfront Hotel and Casinos chief operating officer, presented the artist’s rendition of the coveted trophy, also designed by Masa.
While nibbling the bite-sized culinary treats prepared by gourmet whiz Lita Urbina of Cafe Laguna fame, the evening’s hosts, TV and radio personality Bono Villanueva and Miss Cebu Tourism 1999 Menchu Antigua, stated that during the last week of the final selection of the pageant, computer stations will be installed at the different malls around the city to enable the community to participate in the on-line voting of a special prize, Miss Photogenic.
This is just one of several innovations introduced in this year’s search. Let’s watch out for more. Definitely, it is a search with a difference.