Athlete disproves pageant physique stereotypes with Miss Mandaue win

CEBU, Philippines — With not one pre-pageant and coronation night award to her name, Lorraine Hann said she had felt discouraged and was “in a state of shock” upon being proclaimed the winner of Miss Mandaue’s 50th edition.

“Honestly I was so surprised because I didn’t receive any special awards. And knowing I’m candidate number one, it was really pressuring. I didn’t think I would be the winner,” Hann told the media after her coronation as Miss Mandaue 2019 Tuesday night at the Mandaue City Sports and Cultural Complex where she bested 15 other candidates.

The 18-year-old model and student-athlete has previously won Miss Governor’s Cup 2018, Miss CESAFI 2018 and Miss Consolacion 2017.

In an evening laden with gold, elegant chandeliers, brilliant stage pyrotechnics, and performances inspired from golden productions, the show opened with the candidates parading in pink fun wear. It swiftly transitioned into the Swimsuit Competition as the ladies flaunted their physiques in golden swimwear designs by Alejandro Godinez.

The finalists returned on stage to showcase a collection by designer Jun Escario in a “Bohemian Rhapsody”-themed segment, followed by the Evening Gown Competition with “Phantom of the Opera” music in the background as they paraded black and gold creations by Cebuano designers.

For the first cut, Hann was joined by Lorraine Mitzi Ambrad, Aijeleth Borja, Kristine Gillamac, Christine Rudolph, Umayma Alrawahi, Jesselle Saniel and Amanda Basnillo in the Top 8.

During the casual interview with the semi-finalists, Hann, an advocate for youth education, encouraged students to give their best in school.

“My message to students is to not take your education for granted. I know some of you here are scholars, and parents work very hard to send us to school. I think it would be best to give our all. There are times where we may fail but that’s okay. If we strive to do better I think we would all be good students, we will be ready for the future and the outside world,” the Filipina-American said.

During the final Q&A, the remaining three candidates were asked about their proposed slogan or hashtag aimed to “inspire and motivate millennial Mandauehanons to push forward the progress and livability of the city in the next 50 years.”

The first to answer, Hann said, “It would have to be #ProgressMandaue. The first thing that comes to mind is progress. Mandaue has been progressing over the years especially this year, the 50th year. Mandauehanons are very participative, they listen to their leaders, they are also very welcoming.”

Born in Michigan, USA, Hann moved to Cebu at five years old. She finished high school at the Sacred Heart School-Ateneo de Cebu.

A swimmer, the Consolacion native won a gold medal at the 2018 Private Schools Athletic Association (PRISAA) meet, and a bronze at the 2018 Palarong Pambansa. She has also competed in triathlons.

Hann said it must have been her life story as an athlete, hardworking student, as well as her pageant experience that led to her Miss Mandaue win. She shared there were those who wrote her off for pageants due to her athletic build.

“I know I’m different from the candidates. I have a different structure – I have broad shoulders and small hips. And people know me for being a model. They would tell me ‘You’re only going to make it as a model. You’re not going to make it in pageantry,’” Hann said. “But I disagree. If you have something in mind or a goal, you have to really reach for it.”

Hann will be studying Physical Therapy at Cebu Doctors’ University. She plans to pursue her advocacy of youth education through tutorial sessions for street children and feeding programs. In the future, she wants to aid injured athletes and get them back on track.

“I have been an athlete all my life. I want to rehabilitate injured athletes because I know the feeling of not being able to do your sport because of injuries. I want to help lessen injuries in a way because I know athletes have bright futures ahead,” said Hann, who took home P100,000 and a one-year academic scholarship.

Coming behind Hann is crowd darling Amanda Basnillo as first runner-up. The 17-year-old STEM student from the University of Southern Philippines Foundation was also named Media’s Choice and Best in Evening Gown.

She promised to be more confident and quick-witted the next time we see her in another pageant.

“I’m very shocked and very glad to be the first runner-up. I’m not disappointed. This is enough for me, but I will continue to strive for more. I learned to really just be yourself. Be confident of your body and be who you are in front of a lot people,” said Basnillo, a Miss CESAFI 2014 High School category first runner-up, and Miss USPF 2016 title-holder.

Saniel, 19, completed the top three as second runner-up. She also bagged awards for Best in Swimsuit and Best in Runway.

“I feel so blessed and thankful for being part of the golden year of Miss Mandaue. It has never been easy. I owe this success to everyone who has been part of the journey. I prepared so much for this pageant. I think if you really work hard, you will always reach the peak of success,” said Saniel, a tourism student at the University of San Jose- Recoletos and a Miss Talisay 2018 title-holder.

Basnillo and Saniel brought home P50,000 and P30,000 respectively, plus one-year tuition discounts.

Other awardees are Lorraine Mitzi Ambrad for Best in Talent and Miss Congeniality; Christine Rudolph for Miss Photogenic and Miss Fitness; Aijeleth Borja for Miss Professionalism; and Mel Maria for Best Evening Gown Designer whose creation was worn by Filipina-Omani Umayma Alrawahi.

The panel of judges, chaired by renowned designer Renee Salud, was comprised of Alfred Reyes, Anthony Alvarez Dabon, Eduardo Ngo, Steffi Rose Aberasturi, Gladys Duenas Uy and Jun Escario.