Grade 12 STEM student crowned Miss Mandaue 2017

CEBU, Philippines - Ralphiela Lewis’ fondest memory was seeing billboards of Miss Mandaue pageant candidates during drives to the airport to pick up her father, a native of Seattle, U.S. Her mother would look behind her from the passenger seat and say, “Raphie, one day you’re going to be just like them.”

True enough, she did become just like the women on the billboards along the highway. By the end of Saturday night, Ralphiela had an armful of flowers, and a brand new La Corona de Mandani crown on her head.

The entire Mandaue City Sports and Cultural Complex erupted in cheers as the youngest hopeful was crowned as the 48th Miss Mandaue winner.

Standing at 5’7”, Ralphiela is a grade 12 STEM student and aspiring doctor. Her court included 21-year-old medical and acting school graduate, as well as gender equality advocate, Sashi Chiesa who was hailed first runner-up. Second runner-up Jasmine Apor, a 19-year-old law and policy major, also bagged the Miss Photogenic, Miss Professionalism and Miss Sky Cable awards.

Three other ladies made it to the top six: 20-year-old communication graduate, press freedom advocate, and Miss Olive-C Campus title holder, Princess Jayme; 20-year-old Nursing student Ciairha Monsanto, who campaigned for quality health services; and 22-year-old registered pharmacist Juvel Ducay.

The Top 6 finalists were asked about their wish for Mandaue City for its by its 50th charter or golden anniversary on August 2019 for the final question round.

“We all know that Mandaue City is already industrialized, with all its businesses and companies,” Ralphiela, who was the first to answer, began as the rest of the top 6 awaited their turn.

“My golden wish would be that Mandaue City continues and will stay being successful and prosperous especially that it’s already a very hard working city.”

Ralphiela was also recognized as Best in Runway as she paraded down the pageant stage in a flowing winter-inspired Philipp Tampus creation. Tampus also won Best Designer of the night as his black and white piece was commended for its silhouette, cut, form and overall aesthetic quality. In a pre-pageant event, the Fil-Am beauty was hailed second runner-up at the Media’s Choice Competition held at the brand new south wing of Cebu Westown Lagoon.

Twenty-year-old business administration student from the University of San Jose Recoletos, and investor-friendly city advocate, Hyra Desiree Betito won the Talent Competition held at the Insular Square on April 22.

Monica Tawide, an 18-year-old psychology student from the University of San Carlos, who campaigns for mental health, was hailed as Media’s Choice, while top six finalist and environmental awareness advocate, Juvel Ducay won Miss Fitness.

The candidates voted for 22-year-old Lauren Sta. Ana, a nutrition and dietetics student from Cebu Doctors’ Univeristy as Miss Congeniality. Sta. Ana also won the Texter’s Choice Award, while 24-year-old Samantha Lo, a nursing student from the University of Cebu, who campaigns against child abuse, was hailed as Best in Fun Wear.

Miss Mandaue 2016 Malka Padayhag Shaver of Dumaguete was resplendent in  red as she turned over the crown alongside her court in delicate Cary Santiago gowns. The Miss Mandaue 2016 title-holder revealed that so far, she has no concrete plans with regards to her pageant career and hopes to finish her studies first.

Hosted by Vince Escario, Miss Mandaue 2012 Nicole Tuazon, and MagTV Na’s Jonathan Cimafranca, the Miss Mandaue 2017 coronation night also featured Cebuano talent from all forms of art—may it be in music and dance.

Matteo Guidicelli serenaded the crowd before the crowning moment. The evening gown competition featured the works of Cebuano designers Rey Humberto Villegas, Dino Lloren, Celine Borromeo, Protacio Empaces, Rei Escario, Merl Maria, Harley Ruedas, Paco Serafica, Wendell Quisido, Alejandro Godines Jr., Marichu Tan Genson, and Philipp Tampus, while the ladies modelled pieces from Jul Oliva during the opening production, and Arcy Gayatin spring-inspired ensembles during their another segment.

“I would like to thank everyone who has worked so tirelessly for the success of Miss Mandaue 2017, as one of the highlights of our annual fiesta in honor of Saint Joseph.” Mandaue City Mayor Luigi Quisumbing said. “It took so much care, time, and effort to make sure that no stone was left unturned.”

In the sit-down interview round with media personality Jude Bacalso, the audience got to know more about the candidates. In what seemed to be their most vulnerable moments, Bacalso asked the ladies about their opinions on the demands of a pageant-crazed country, their insecurities, their relationships as sisters and competitors, as well as their favorite places, food and fondest memories.

Ralphiela took the opportunity to thank her mother who has guided her in every step of the way, and who has been with her as she pushed the extra miles. The young lady, who campaigns for peace and equality, expressed how grateful she is to have someone so supportive and loving.

“I wouldn’t be where I am now without her. My mother has molded me into the strong, independent woman that I am today. This one’s for you mom, I love you and I hope I’ve made you proud,” Ralphiela said.

In the end, Ralphiela bested 11 other beautiful and competent ladies of Mandaue City—a dream that literally came true after so many years of hoping and hard work.

As an army of admirers rushed to Ralphiela’s side for selfies, her ecstatic mom Leonor Lewis had remained off-stage, quiet and unassuming- looking up at her daughter with pride and utmost tenderness. No matter how many people would come to her daughter’s side, even if the stage collapsed, she would be Ralphiela’s biggest supporter.

“I am so proud, and I feel like I’m finally complete,” her mother smiles. (FREEMAN)