Queen Mother of Cebu pageant gathers 25 finalists

Queen Mother of Cebu joins the ever-growing pageant organizations in Cebu, as it officially introduced its 25 candidates to the press, May 13, at Café Maria in Naga City, Cebu before they face off in the grand coronation, May 21, at the IEC Convention Center.

The finalists are Cherrie Mae Boiser, 24, from Borbon; Florietess Villarico, 43, Naga City; Carrolyne Dolar, 36, Cebu City; Sugar Fajardo, 29, Mandaue City, Angelique Kaye Semblante, 27, Danao City; Lynn Tampus, 39, Cebu City; Thea Almira Bador, 41, Talisay City; Reyza Señerpida, 26, Mandaue City; Danica Rosal, 32, Talisay City; Makita Laoc, 27, Carcar City; and Michelle Villasencio, 37, Minglanilla.

Completing the line-up are Chimney Lim, 35, Talisay City; Annlorien Alcuizar, 28, Mandaue City; Myth Anisca Maguaete, 38, Cebu City; Jainty Lou Mosqueda, 27, Daanbantayan; Jay Maricor Carredo, 21, Malabuyoc; Laarni Matsumura, 60, Talisay City; Mary Jane Tamores, 33, Mandaue City; Shantal Hafeel, 46, Cebu City; Maria Cecila Lopez, 41, Cebu City; Ellensie Daganasol, 55, Cebu City; Ashantie May Labra, 35, Lapu-Lapu City; and Eulla Luna, 34, Toldeo City.

Seven crowns are up for grabs. The main ko  title is Queen Mother of Cebu, the winner of which will represent the Philippines this November at Mrs. United Nations in New Delhi, India. Runners-ups will be given the following titles: Queen Mother of Cebu-Fortitude, Compassion, Influencer, Devotion, Courage, and Grace.

As a non-profit organization, the tilt that is in partnership with Chameleon Models of Cebu, aims to “recognize the value of mothers and their contributions to family and society.”

Founder Julianne Mae Vera Cruz, a Mrs. Cebu Philippines 2022 finalist, created the pageant to advance her advocacy. “Many moms want to reach out. So through Queen Mother of Cebu, we can gather more members who can be volunteers in our charity causes,” she told The FREEMAN.

Their criteria in judging emphasized more on Character at 30 percent, followed by Beauty and Intelligence at 25 percent each, and Poise and Bearing at 20 percent. In lieu of a swimsuit competition, candidates will be wearing fun wear out of recycled materials.

Never too late

Boiser said she threw her hat in the ring to advance her advocacy as well as to fulfill a dream she shares with her granddaughter.

“When she died in 2021, I thought it was the end of it. Now I joined to fulfill our dream. At age 10, I became a volunteer at Operation Safe Philippines where we conducted social aid care to traumatized children when Typhoon Yolanda wrecked the Philippines including the northern part of Cebu. I have seen the vision of Queen Mother of Cebu, which is in line with my advocacy and my true calling,” she explained.

Villarico sees her participation as a way to fulfill what was once an impossible dream. “This is my first pageant. I never had the experience when I was young because I thought I wasn’t pretty, which was an insecurity. One day, my close friends saw [a post from Queen Mother of Cebu] on Facebook looking for 21 to 60 years old and they encouraged me to try. So many women dream of becoming a beauty queen, but I wasn’t given the chance. I am happy that I am here now. At the age of 43, it’s never too late,” she said.

On balancing her time as a working mom and a candidate, Maguaete emphasized self-discipline. “It’s how you condition yourself with your priorities. I understand if you are a mother that your main priority should be family and career. As a mom,  adjust your focus, stand your ground and find your true calling.”

When asked about life lessons they shared with their children, Tamores said. “I taught them to listen to others without judgment, to accept others for who they are there, to be there, be supportive to all their friends and be somebody of help. I taught my kids to be happy for anyone’s success because if we are teaching our kids to be compassionate, then we will have a better place and kids can be our future.”

Bador shared her experience of being a single mom. “I am not just a mother to my 19-year-old, but I am also a mom to others. My father died in 2019 and all of the responsibilities that were once his went to me. Being an Ate, mama, and everyone else in my office who called me mother, I have a huge impact on them because I taught them how to respect. Good communication  makes you a queen.”

Awarded Darling of the Press at the event was Maguaete, with Semblante and Carredo as finalists.

Classic Mrs. Philippines International Global 2023 Liz Tagimacruz-Vecina and Mrs. Philippines Grand International Honeylane Palero Labang were present to support the candidates.

“I know it’s a challenging and fulfilling journey. I was in your position last year. It wasn’t easy but at the same time, it’s going to be fulfilling as a woman and as a mother. Win or lose, I hope you continue with your advocacies. It’s not about the crown, it’s about what you are about to bring out to your community to inspire others,” Vecina remarked.

Labang added, “We all have the same path when we joined Mrs. Cebu Philippines and Mrs. Philippines International. Just be yourself. No matter what you have, just be content because true beauty comes within and it will flow naturally outside.”