CEBU, Philippines — Kiara Liane Wellington’s non-placement at Miss Philippines Earth 2022 was a disappointment to her and her family that they thought of taking a breather from competitions for a while. Joining Sinulog Festival Queen, the annual search for the most beautiful and talented lead dancer, turned out to be the right decision for the 21-year-old representative of Talisay City.
At the finals held January 13 at the Cebu City Spots Center, the Filipina-British outshone 10 other candidates vying to succeed Sinulog Festival Queen 2021 Dixie Lee Rey Oca, who represented Barangay Sapangdaku in the tilt’s hybrid edition.
“I’m so emotional...I just never thought!” an elated Wellington, surrounded by her jubilant supporters on stage, remarked right after her coronation. “I worked so hard for this and I can’t believe I’m Sinulog Festival Queen 2023! I truly have no words because this is so overwhelming.”
Wellington was a corporate sponsor favorite, bagging the lion’s share of awards namely, Miss Unli sa Kagandahan (Mang Inasal), Miss Uratex, Miss Xtend Ops, Miss MCC Best Posture Award courtesy of Mabuhay Chiropractors, Miss Golden Topper, Miss Angkas, Miss Glow-getter, 2GO Viva Magenta Award, Miss Bingo Plus Sinulog, Pao-Pao’s Choice Award (courtesy of Foodpanda), Nustar Festival Queen, Best in Runway/AweSM Sinulog Festival Queen, and Miss Listo Ganado.
She was also chosen Miss Photogenic, Best in Opening Production Number, and Best Sinulog Festival Costume (designed by Aldo Loquinario).
Wellington dedicated her victory to her “family, Sto. Niño, my supporters – everyone who is dear to my heart. I offer all the sacrifices to my family, especially my grandparents.”
Aside from performing in an ensemble that weighed around 30 kilos, Wellington the most challenging part of Sinulog Festival Queen was competing against “all the queens because they’re all beautiful and talented. They all had a good chance of winning and I can’t believe the judges picked me. I am just so blessed and honored!”
Wellington spent one year at the University of San Jose-Recoletos as a Tourism student and said she has plans of returning to school soon. She hopes to become a luxurious yacht stewardess, following in the footsteps of her parents who used to work in yachts.
She used to be bullied for her dyslexia (a general term for disorders that involve difficulty in learning to read or interpret words, letters, and other symbols, but that do not affect general intelligence), telling The FREEMAN in 2019 that “others used to say I am stupid with a pretty face. When I joined a school pageant, they said ‘Why is she the representative of the school when she’s not smart and she can’t do it?’ But I changed their mind and words that I can do it and they were wrong about me.”
Close on the heels of Wellington was first runner-up Annica Angelica Dolores Macasero Bengtsson, who represented Carcar City. The 20-year-old Economics major was named Miss Jetti Petroleum Inc., Lakambini ng Bayan, Miss Smart Communications, Miss Sky Go, Miss Photogenic, Best Solo Performer, and Best in Group Production Presentation. Her group also won Best in Instrumentation.
Second runner-up is Amor Beah Rabago Singh (Toledo City), a 21-year-old third year Fine Arts student who was also awarded Mr. DIY and Best in Runway second runner up.
Third runner-up is Lourelle Henj Manlosa (Lapu-Lapu City), a 24-year-old teacher who was chosen Miss Markcafe and Miss Zoe TV.
Completing the winning circle is fourth runner-up April Joana Zapanta (Brgy. Inayawan), a 20-year-old second year Tourism Management student, who also nabbed the Miss Magnolia Timplados, Miss Cebu Landmasters, and Miss McSmile awards.
Other awardees were Reina Alexis Tavera (Mandaue City) as Miss Friendship, Most Confident courtesy of Dr. Wong’s Lightening System, and Miss Coca-Cola; and Angel Myrna Thecia Layam (Brgy. San Nicolas Proper) as Best in Runway first runner-up.