The fast-paced extravaganza masterfully featured the distinct and unique festivals of the island, such as the Mantawi of Mandaue City, the Palawod of Bantayan, the Sadsad of Oslob, the Kabkaban of Carcar and the city’s very own, the Sinulog.
From the time the candidates first paraded in their all-white casuals, created by innovative designer Sal Malto, the distinguished panel of judges, that included the Fashion Design Council of the Philippines president Randy Ortiz, Tarlac Rep. Benigno "Noynoy" Aquino III, TV host Angel Jacob, Proctor and Gamble’s Amy Young, Smart Communication’s Rogelio Quevedo, Mega Magazine fashion editor Binky Ilusorio, Pagcor’s Gino dela Concepcion, Cathay Pacific Airways’ Lawrence Fong, and Wellex Group of Companies chairman William Gatchalian, instantly realized their task was not going to be an easy one, far from being just a stroll in the park.
While Manila-based Cebuana diva Anna Fegi captivated the receptive audience with her own interpretation of classics and hits, the easy-to-like Calvin Millado, fresh from his recent triumph on the legitimate stage, serenaded the young ladies con mucho gusto on their last collective appearance, dressed in creations by Cebu’s top fashion designers, namely Joy Bernaldez, Harley Ruedas, Albert Arriba, Jojo Matibag, Minnie Yuviengco, Ditas Rodriguez, Myrna Cebrecus, Marichu Tan, Jude Elardo, Arcy Gayatin, Wendell Quisido and Edwin Ao.
Shortly thereafter, the confident-yet-nervous hopefuls were on their own for the normally dreaded interview portion. But popular talk show celebrity and Philippine Star columnist Boy Abunda magically transformed the question-and-answer segment into a lively, interesting and oftentimes humorous interaction.
Miss Cebu Tourism 1999, the versatile Carmen Antigua, who did a superbly excellent job as emcee for the evening, announced the special awards. Melissa Basubas was chosen Miss Fuji Film Photogenic, while Glency Señires was named Miss Waterfront Friendship. Mega Magazine’s choice for the Best Designer award went to Arcy Gayatin, who executed the gown donned by candidate Niszal Piencenavez. World traveler Minnie Osmeña and Randy Ortiz gave the award for the best in evening gown, won by Karla Bautista in a creation by Edwin Ao.
Before long the members of the court were declared namely Melissa Basubas, Glency Señires, Mariechris Kiara Masong and Niña Mae Villegas.
Finally, 18-year-old part-time model Karla Bautista, a second year philosophy student at the University of San Carlos who aspires to become a lawyer and broadcaster, was proclaimed Ms. Cebu 2003.
Cebu City Mayor Tomas Osmeña and his wife Margot did the honors, while Ms. Cebu 2002 Melanie Ediza turned over the Barbie-inspired crown designed by Mikel Alexander. The islands’ beautiful, talented and intelligent new ambassadress of goodwill received a cash prize of P50,000, a trip to Hong Kong plus any other destination of her choice courtesy of Cathay Pacific Airways, and a Nokia 7650 mobile phone from Smart Communications.
The annual prize-laden quest is a project of the Cebu City Tourism Commission headed by Cebu City Vice Mayor Michael Rama, assisted by Councilor Arsenio Pacaña, lover of culture and the arts Petite Garcia, civic leader Olivia Lynn Uy, corporate executive Tetta Ba-ad, travel specialist Joan Tiu, lawyer Jane Paredes, businessmen Franklin Ong and Joseph Gaisano, overall chairperson, well-respected designer Philip Rodriguez and this writer.