Bb. Cebu beauties stun in exquisite ternos

CEBU, Philippines — Saturday night’s Binibining Cebu Philippine Terno Competition was a visual treat of all sorts, a performance in itself executed by the municipality of Argao, the Binibining Sugbu Charity Foundation, Inc. and the Sacred Heart School for Boys Batch 1985 Foundation Inc. all in their search for the one true Cebuana ambassadress.

Staged at the Cabecera de Argao, the only remaining intact cabecera in region seven with the Argao Hall of Justice as backdrop, the Philippine Terno Competition looked like a scene out of a historical period drama – with VIPs swathed in handwoven Hablon de Argao scarves and beautiful Filipinas sporting some of the most exquisite ternos all fashioned by Cebuano designers.

True to their word, Binibining Cebu lived up to their promise as what organizing committee member Kenneth Cobonpue had declared: “We will not settle for anything less than world-class.”

And this was only the first of four pre-pageant events.

The night was grand as soon as the show began, with the doxology singer performing from the church belfry, and the national anthem singer and flag bearer positioned at the highest floor of the Justice Hall.

Hosted by Miss Earth 2008 Karla Henry, the event first showcased Argao’s very own handwoven hablon cloth through the Pasarela de Argao, a fashion show featuring the creations of Dexter Alazas from his AMANO Craft Collection.

Two ladies stood out in this segment, with the Best in Runway given to those who best carried and represented the Hablon de Argao on stage. Bb. Badian Apriel Smith tied with Bb. Medellin Nica Zosa Nabua for this award.

For the evening’s main event, the 54 Binibining Cebu candidates were stunning in their Filipinianas as they all exuded elegance and grace while gliding down the runway.

Edward James Castro was named Best in Philippine Terno designer for his masterful, elegant, and visually appealing interpretation of the national dress as worn by Bb. Bantayan Maria Gigante and Bb. Asturias Samantha Ashley Lo.

Expectedly, Bb. Argao Tracy Maureen Perez enjoyed some hometown love, garnering the loudest cheers and applause each time she took to the stage.

That night’s awardees would be wise to not rest on their laurels just as there’s still a long way to go before the conclusion of the first ever Binibining Cebu competition – a pageant that doesn’t only look for a woman who would look ravishing on the runway but a beauty that could inspire others and possesses immense pride for their hometown.

Argao native and “It’s Showtime” Tawag ng Tanghalan grand finalist Mariel Montellano was among the event’s performers, mesmerizing the crowd with her rendition of Bisaya classics “Kamingaw sa Payag” and “Kinsa Siya,” as well as her well-loved version of “Himala,” which was her TNT grand finals piece.

Next in line for the pre-pageant events set to further look into the ladies’ potential and performance is the Swimsuit Gala featuring Kymberly Maitland-Smith’s Solti Activewear on September 29 at the Grand Convention Center of Cebu. Other events include the Evening Gown Competition on October 4 at the Centerstage of SM Seaside City Cebu, and the pre-pageant interview which will unfold at the Oakridge Pavilion on October 25.

Coronation night is on October 28 at the Pacific Grand Ballroom of Waterfront Cebu City Hotel and Casino, to be hosted by the father-son tandem of Edu Manzano and Luis Manzano. (FREEMAN)