Triathlete crowned the first Renaissance Cebuana

CEBU, Philippines — A 26-year-old triathlete was crowned the first Renaissance Cebuana Friday night at the provincial Capitol.

Katherine Jumapao of Liloan said that her new title provides her a wider avenue to empower women as an ambassadress of the Provincial Women’s Commission (PWC). She plans to hold a volleyball training for children and at the same time, educate them about gender equality.

“More than the title, I am very much honored to carry such a worthwhile message of empowering Cebuanas to not be caged in norms and judgments but rather be strong, driven and purposeful members of society,” Jumapao posted on social media.

Renaissance Cebuana, a pageant initiated by the provincial government, aims to highlight Cebuanas as athletic, academic, and artistic (AAA). It is exclusive to ladies aged 18-30 years old who are from areas under Cebu Province.

Because of the AAA criteria, Jumapao remarked that this pageant was an experience unlike those she had in previous beauty tilts she joined like Miss Cebu in 2015.

The Business Administration graduate from the University of San Carlos received P100,000, plus a trip for two to Hong Kong. She was also awarded Best in Sports Wear.

Jumapao’s first runner-up is Debby Maeh Site of Bogo City. She nabbed most of the minor awards such as Miss Photogenic, Best in Resorts Wear and Best in Long Gown. She received P40,000.

Second runner-up and Best in Talent awardee is Cianza Pearl Gutierrez of Tudela. She brought home P20,000.

The rest of the finalists, who all received P10,000 each, were Syvil Jane Ancheta of Consolacion (awarded Miss Congeniality), Marjorie Bolutano of Carcar City, Hanna Mae Choa of Balamban, Killiaen Marie Ferrer of Daanbantayan, Ana Fe Isok of Pinamungajan, Kimberly Lumayag of Argao, Gretel Majorenos of Danao City, Weeklecia Manondo of Carcar City, Marvie Matura of Mandaue City, Lorielen Paglinawan of Tuburan, Wilpe Anne Papa of Alegria, and Wella Jane Ybas of Carcar City.

All the candidates underwent three stages of selection to test if they are athletic, artistic, and academic. The first stage was a marathon which had over 700 participants. They were then trimmed to less than a hundred contestants. The second stage was a quiz and personality test which reduced the hopefuls to 32.

The remaining ladies recorded short videos to discuss their advocacies. These videos were posted on Facebook for a month for online voting. The voting results, plus their scores in previous rounds, resulted in the final 15.

Renaissance Cebuana is organized by the Capitol through the PWC in partnership with Ng Khai Development Corporation and Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry.