CEBU, Philippines — Sarah Hudson was pegged as a strong contender when she first joined the Miss Consolacion pageant in 2021, but “triggered with mania” that resulted to a bipolar disorder diagnosis, she decided to back out.
“I was processing a lot of things that time, like college applications, research papers, and family problems,” Hudson told The FREEMAN post-coronation of Miss Consolacion 2024, October 27, at the Municipal Covered Court.
“I also had struggles with body image and other things in the modeling and pageant industry – I think it was a lot for me to handle that time and I wasn’t able to manage it well. Looking back now at everything I’ve been through, I realize how important it really is to be persistent and to always be grateful.”
The 21-year-old Filipina-American outscored 20 other candidates for the title, taking over from last year’s winner, Kasley Malaika Libres of Barangay Casili. She was also awarded Darling of the Crowd and Best in Evening Gown.
Hudson, who is 5’6”-tall, was is born and bred in Brgy. Tayud, Consolacion but represented Brgy. Lamac this year.
With aspirations of working as a flight attendant, Hudson is currently on her third year of Tourism studies at Cebu Technological University-Danao campus.
Winning on her second try, Hudson feels her purpose now is “not only pageants, but mostly on volunteer work.”
What did she do differently this time around? “I took care of my mental health, took the time to rest. I usually wear headphones and listen to Christian songs when there’s negativity.”
She added, “I also manage my time and remind myself that it’s okay to say no. Because at the end of the day, it’s not merely about winning the title – it’s about having mental and physical wellness.”
Hudson said she signed up anew for Miss Consolacion to gain a wider reach, especially that she spent the previous years volunteering at Safe Haven Recovery Village in Talamban, Cebu City where she had the privilege to stay for free with the aid of sponsors. After receiving clearance to leave the facility, she decided to give back by delivering talks to those similarly afflicted.
“I’ve had multiple interviews on national television…with Julius Babao and other radio stations. I was chubby that time.When I got out after a couple of months, I volunteered, but since I couldn’t provide monetary support, I just gave testimonies and then people will donate and they also get inspired,” she said.
“I think one of these instances was why some people wanted to see me back on stage – not only to share my story, but also to inspire.”
Her voice cracking during the free speech segment for the Top 12 finalists, Hudson had said, “I stand here tonight not just as a Miss Consolacion candidate….but as a woman with bipolar disorder. For many years, I navigated the thoughts in my mind that I felt were insurmountable. But through this, I discovered that with pain, comes persistence, power, and purpose.”
“As a volunteer…I dedicated my life to raise funds and destigmatize mental health and educate people about it. Inspired by my own experience, I pledge to foster understanding and acceptance in Consolacion, because healing – not only is it possible, but it is also beautiful.”
Like Hudson, it was also the second time for first runner-up Faith Nicole Cawit (Brgy. Polog) to join the pageant, this time with a higher placement and three awards for Best Glam Shot, Best in Playsuit, and Best in Production Number.
The rest of the top five finalists are second runner-up Megan Rivera (Brgy. Jugan) who was also named Best in Barangay Creative Costume, third runner-up Ryza Judilla (Brgy. Tugbongan), and fourth runner-up Girlie Miñoza (Brgy. Panoypoy).
Other awardees are Cyrene Ponce (Brgy. Nangka) as Miss Photogenic and Best in Swimsuit, Aisth Riss Nudalo (Brgy. Garing) as Miss Loyalty and Best Barangay Promotional Video, Lyzah Kae Pepito (Brgy. Lanipga) as Best in Essay, Lorraine Mae Estomago (Brgy. Poblacion Oriental) as Best in Extemporaneous Speaking, and Chelsea Faith Flores (Brgy. Poblacion Occidental) as Miss Congeniality.
In an impressive coronation night helmed by the pageant’s director Lemuel Rosos, 21 candidates representing each barangay of the municipality of Consolacion competed in playsuit and swimwear segments before they were whittled down to the Top 12.
The evening gown competition and free speech segment (in lieu of the casual interview in previous editions) followed before the Top 5 finalists were announced.
Judges were Shamcey Supsup-Lee, Congressman Daphne Lagon, Congressman Sonny Lagon, Wilma Laude Zamora, Carissa Garcia, Dr. John Fremont Base, Raymund Alba, Rodgil Flores, and Mark Anthony Ynoc.
OJ Cimafranca was joined by Miss World Philippines 2021 Tracy Maureen Perez and Mister Tourism International Philippines 2022 Kitt Cortez as hosts, while Star Magic singer, songwriter, and actor Marlo Mortel was the celebrity performer.
The Miss Consolacion pageant, headed by its chairperson Dr. Johannes “Joyjoy” Alegado, has gained repute for not only putting up a grandiose production – with Sunday’s giant LED crown a striking touch – but for also testing its candidates further with an essay writing and extemporaneous speaking component.