Cebuana still fairest festival queen

PASAY CITY, Manila, Philippines – This is now sounding like a broken record, but Cebuanos won’t definitely mind –— a Cebuana beauty once again dominated the Aliwan Festival Queen pageant.

For the sixth year in a row, a Cebuana was selected Reyna ng Aliwan in glittering ceremonies held Sunday night at the Aliw Theater. Sinulog Festival bet Steffi Rose Aberasturi nabbed the crown, plus four other special awards.

The Tourism student from the University of San Carlos (USC), who is also the reigning Miss Mandaue, was likewise adjudged Best in Smile, Best in Swimsuit, Best in Gown and Best in Festival Costume.

The victory gave the 19-year-old extreme relief because she has maintained her hometown’s winning streak in the pageant, which is a highlight in the annual Aliwan Festival spearheaded by the Manila Broadcasting Company. Sian Maynard heads the list of Cebuana queens for winning in 2009, followed by Rizzini Gomez (2010), Rogelie Catacutan (2011), Angeli Dione Gomez (2012), and Jamie Herrell (2013).

A devotee of the Señor Sto. Niño since winning Sinulog Festival Queen 2011, Steffi said that before going to Manila for the pageant, she prayed to the Holy Child to help her succeed in the competition. “I want to thank God for giving me the strength, courage and all the blessings; and to my family and friends for supporting me and putting their faith in me since day one. I couldn’t have done it without them. I would also like to thank the Sinulog Foundation for giving me this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,” she said.

Cebu-based beauty queen-maker and make-up artist Jonas Borces took charge of Aberasturi’s maquillage, while Malayka Yamas was responsible for her winning festival costume.

With the title comes the heavy task of “promoting not only Sinulog Festival which I represent, but all the different festivals in the Philippines, since the main goal of this competition is to share our phenomenal diversity and history, not only to fellow Filipinos, but to everyone in the world,” according to Aberasturi, who has plans of  joining Binibining Pilipinas at the appropriate time.

Meanwhile, another Bisdak beauty made a remarkable impression in the Aliwan 2014 pageant. She is Maria Gigante, 20, Bantayan Island’s Palawod Festival bet, who was selected to be among three second runner-up finishers. The Philosophy major from USC was also named Star of the Night.

“I did not feel any pressure on me because the pressure that I felt was to represent Bantayan Island properly, rather than to carry the next title for Cebu, because obviously the pressure was on Steffi to maintain the title for Cebu. That was why I just wanted to be there for her in any way that I could, at the same time try to do the best that I can,” remarked Gigante, a Miss Cebu 2013 second runner-up.

“Although as a Cebuana my goal was to win, as a Bantayanon, my goal was to effectively introduce and promote Palawod in the hopes of gaining interest of more Filipinos. I think it’s pretty much mission accomplished,” she said.

The devastating aftermath that super typhoon Yolanda wrought in her beloved hometown of Bantayan was what made her decide to join Reyna ng Aliwan, as it will show “Bantayanon’s propensity to quickly rise above adversity.”

Bulacan’s candidate was first runner-up, while the two other second runners up came from Bacolod and Negros Occidental.

The Sinulog Festival’s street dance contingent was also on fire. Hall of Famer (for previous three straight wins) Lumad Basakanon is this year’s grand champion; the group also bagged the Best in Costume and Best in Music awards. (FREEMAN)