Miss Mandaue 2017 Media’s Choice

CEBU, Philippines - The Miss Mandaue 2017 candidates had a taste of what seemed to be the coronation night during the Media’s Choice competition held yesterday at the brand new South Wing of Cebu Westown Lagoon.

For the ultimate test of grace and wit, 12 beauties hoping to succeed Miss Mandaue 2016 Malka Padayhag Shaver of Dumaguete answered questions in the hopes of bagging one of the pageant’s most coveted accolades.

The ladies were grilled by tri-media members as well as Westown’s Cleofe Albiso.

Mandaue City Mayor Luigi Quisumbing graced the event and joked after the Q&A how the activity reflected the pressure he goes through during his weekly news conference.

The event, hosted by Miss Mandaue 2012 Nicole Tuazon (who was also a Media’s Choice winner), aimed to find the candidate who was not only clearly beautiful but was also intelligent and possessed the personality, charm, grace, skills, and wit fit for anyone who wished to represent the city.

Monica Tawide, a Psychology student from the University of San Carlos, was hailed as this year’s Media’s Choice. The Fil-Iranian shared how challenging it was juggling her time between summer classes and the pageant activities, but the 18-year-old church volunteer endured. She revealed her desire to influence others and break barriers when it comes to religion.

Media’s Choice first runner-up is 22-year-old Juvel Ducay, who also won the Talent Competition held April 22 at the Insular Square by performing the cultural dance singkil. The registered pharmacist impressed judges with her views on social media—saying that women should be aware, vigilant, and should learn to put boundaries in order to protect their privacy, now more than ever.

Hailed second runner-up is the youngest of the dozen. At only 17 years old, Fil-Am Raphiela Lewis stands at 5’7.5”. The grade 12 STEM student shared her thoughts on the efficiency of the plastic ban being implemented in the city. She also dreams of becoming a medical doctor someday.

The rest of the Miss Mandaue 2017 finalists are: Nursing student Samantha Lo, 24, who is of Chinese, Cuban, and Filipino descent; Business Administration student from the University of San Jose Recoletos, Hyra Desiree Betito, 21; Architecture major Elsa Trinidad, 19; Nicole Pilapil, 21, a Hotel and Restaurant management graduate from the University of San Carlos; Nutrition and Dietetics student from Cebu Doctors’ University, Lauren Sta. Ana, 22; Law and Policy Studies major Jasmine Apor, 19; Communication graduate and Miss Olive-C Campus title holder, Princess Jayme, 20; Ciairha Monsanto, 20, Nursing student; and medical and acting school graduate Sashi Chiesa, 21, who is of Swiss-Filipino descent.

Tawide, who joined Miss Mandaue in 2015 and was hailed Miss Solane 2nd runner-up, wasn’t the only star during the event. The affair also debuted the new Miss Mandaue crown and pageant logo.

Designed by Mark Anthony Tenchavez, the new crown dubbed La Corona de Mandani, was inspired by the new Miss Mandaue logo designed by Jay Dalumpines.

The headpiece, intricately lined with Swarovski crystals and accentuated with princess-cut Austrian stones, reflects the progressive and industrial visage of Mandaue City. Iconic landmarks namely, the Marcelo Fernan Bridge, and the Presidencia, highlight the brand new crown to represent the rich history, heritage and culture of Mandauehanons. Three stars depict the three beautiful winners of the pageant, and symbolize beauty, intelligence, and looking forward.

Now on its 47th staging, Cebu’s longest-running pageant will crown a new queen on May 6, Saturday, at the Mandaue City Sports Complex in line with the city’s annual fiesta celebration in honor of St. Joseph. (FREEMAN)