And the winners are. . .
Cebu has come to the modern world with a history distinguished for a variety of influences and cultural traditions. The Cebuanos continue to preserve all these and through the years have developed an essence all their own. The ritual of colors, revelry and pageantry is the focus of the energies of its people given to merriment and unrelenting faith.
Every third week of January, the entire city of Cebu comes alive with a variety of events for the celebration of the Santo Niño. The nine day fiesta celebration has two main activities, the religious procession on a Saturday and the grand Sinulog street parade the following day. The week-long festivities also include nightly cultural shows, fluvial procession, fun run, photo exhibits and the much anticipated Miss Cebu beauty pageant.
As in the past, the Cebu City Tourism Commission launched the search for the quintessential Cebuana who will embody the steadfast spirit of the ever changing city. Through the years Miss Cebu has given a face and a voice to this dynamic metropolis as a tourist destination.
The 31st Miss Cebu coronation night was a pageant like no other. Twelve lovely ladies, all smiles throughout the evening welcomed guests at the standing-room only Pacific Ballroom of the Waterfront Cebu Hotel and Casino. Hosts for the evening were Paulo Varela, Jonathan Cimafranca and past Miss Cebu winners Mia Zeeba Ali Faridoon, Anther Infante, Loise Angelique Tan and Sian Maynard.
To highlight Cebuano creativity, the candidates wore the creations of Cebu’s top designers with maquillage by the Make Up Artists Club of Cebu. For the opening number, the candidates donned “Puso-inspired” creations by designers Alejandro Godinez, Barbie Alvez, Peewee Senining and Rey Villegas. Another segment featured the “Modern Maria Clara” with creations by Yvonne Quisumbing, Brian Aloquin, Protacio and Edwin Ao.
The glamorous evening gowns showcased the “Red Terno” as interpreted by Albert Arriba, Marichu Tan, Jun Escario, Ditas Rodriguez, Wendell Quisido, Philipp Tampus, OJ Hofer, William Manahan, Dino Llorren, Arcy Gayatin, Ren Manabat and Harley Ruedas.
Cebu certainly has revved up, grown and developed into a booming city yet remaining rooted in its rich culture and heritage, seamlessly blending old with new, traditional with the modern, giving it its unique character.
The panel of judges were Emmy-award winning producer Michael Carandang, travel and tourism icon and cultural activist Carlos Celdran, fashion designer Frederick Peralta, model and entrepreneur Suyen Chi-Sia and Bb. Pilipinas Maja 1985 and Miss Maja International 2nd runner up Issa Gonzales Agana.
Shortly after the spectacular show and presentation of minor awards, the judges soon made their choices. Wynonah Van Joy Buot, a Mass Communications graduate, raised and educated in Saudi Arabia, was crowned Miss Cebu 2015 with her court; Ma. Genefe Navilon, 1st runner up, Aivy Mae Castro, 2nd runner up Lucena Rose Magdadaro, 3rd runner up and Domenic Reynes, 4th runner up.
