Cebuana beauty queens vie for Miss Teen Philippines Central Visayas title

CEBU, Philippines — As Miss Teen Philippines breaks its four-year hiatus, some of Cebu’s freshest faces and newest queens have risen to the occasion in the hopes of representing Cebu on the national stage.

After a screening for Miss Teen Philippines Central Visayas, 25 names have been reaped to compete for the pre-qualifying round which will see the Cebuanas representing their hometown on the national level of the competition.

Among the finalists is Sinulog Festival Queen 2019 Nicole Yance Borromeo. An 18-year-old STEM student from Cebu Doctors’ University, Nicole was inspired to join Miss Teen Philippines after being surrounded by people with the same aspirations as she does, as well as to have the chance of being part of an organization that advocates for something important.

Nicole says as far as she knows, she will still be participating in Reyna ng Aliwan this April and Miss Millennial Philippines on the latter part of the year. “I will still be joining both, I think,” she shares.

Also in the roster is Kylah Kristianne Yve Sanchez, a 17-year-old senior high school student from Liloan who is slowly putting herself on the pageant map after becoming Miss Hannah’s Tourism Ambassador 2018, a Miss World Philippines 2018 Top 10 finisher, and most recently winning Binibining Sibugay 2019 – besting Miss Mandaue 2016 and Miss Manila 2018 first runner-up Malka Shaver who was first runner-up and Binibining Cebu 2017 Apriel Smith who placed second runner-up.

Upon hearing of Miss Teen Philippines’ revival, Kylah took the opportunity right away. She believes that being an advocate for equal access to quality education will come in handy as she joins a pageant that aligns with her beliefs.

"I feel honored knowing that I am considered as one of the rising Cebuana beauty queens. But even though I’ve successfully finished my pageants with a great performance, my parents keep on reminding me to always keep my feet on the ground because pageantry is like a rollercoaster ride,” Kylah tells The Freeman.

Apart from Nicole and Kylah, pre-qualifying finalists include Karla Marie Frances Niere, Olive May Sophia Bihag, Ma. Mercy Ababa Bacarisas, Cassandra Reed, Kaye Rollins, Madelyn Afrifina Smith, Kefaiah Al-zair, Ma. Bethel Rose Rosco, Ma. Milkielyn Enriquez, Skylah Butler, Krishia Andrea Pekitpekit, Sophia Therese Cairo, Den Claire Petralba, Nicole Louise Marie Aplinar, Leigh Chanelle Ong, Jackaine Fleming, Alleah Arlene Achurra, Sophia Angelica Esgana, Kaira Anne Margaret Eleazar, Christina Maria Schott, April Joana Zapanta, Heaven Daisy Chapman and Tyra Rae Goldman.

Regional coordinator Dexter Alazas oversaw the Cebu screening on March 2 at SM City Cebu. Sifted from 63 applicants, the 25 have the chance of representing Cebu as Miss Teen Philippines-Central Visayas 2019, following the footsteps of Beatrice Villegas Osmeña, Victoria Leslie Ingram and Bianca Williamsen.

Alazas says that the prequalifying round on March 17 at the Mountain Wing of SM Seaside City Cebu will highlight hablon.

Aside from automatically becoming a Region 7 rep to the nationals, the chosen applicants will also win sponsor and special awards.

Screenings also took place in Iloilo, Pampanga, Laguna, Cagayan de Oro and Bicol. More screenings in Puerto Princesa, Davao, Vigan, Ilocos Sur, and Metro Manila will take place throughout March 9 until the 30th.

By April, 30 candidates are expected to vie for the Miss Teen Philippines 2019 title. According to Youth Empowerment Through Education Foundation Inc. Director Regine Angeles, the pageant advocates for global readiness.

Miss Teen Philippines 2014 Reissha Nicole Villar Magadia (who competed in the 2016 staging of Miss Teen International in Florida, USA) will turn over her crown to the new winner on April 13 at the Maybank Performing Arts Theater at the Bonifacio Global City in Taguig City.

The returning pageant is looking for an exceptional winner who is not just a pretty face, but must also be at the forefront in promoting its cause and be a role model among her peers. Organizers say she should also be outgoing and exude the vibe of the younger generation.

The Miss Teen Philippines winner will take home P300,000, while the first runner-up will receive P200,000.  P100,000 will be given to Miss Teen Philippines Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao.

The Miss Teen Philippines 2019 winner will pursue the main goal of the pageant (empowering the youth in the global arena) through the help of various local government agencies like the Department of Social Welfare and Development, Department of Education, nd National Youth Commission.