Kris Tiffany Janson: Pageant first-timer captures Miss Cebu 2009 crown

Dashing the dreams of eleven other Cebuana beauties, Kris Tiffany Janson captured the coveted title of Miss Cebu 2009 on the Silver Anniversary of the highly-anticipated pageant held the other night at the Pacific Grand Ballroom of the Waterfront Cebu City Hotel and Casino.

The 19-year-old Business Management in Accounting student at the University of San Carlos was profuse with gratitude for her victory. She said she did not harbor any expectation of winning the crown since she’s a newbie in the pageant scene, with the Miss Cebu pageant as her first.

“The moment I woke up, the only thing that was on my mind was that I needed to go to church. Unfortunately, I was not able to go to Sto. Niño church for the novena but my family brought me to a church where I prayed for guidance and strength. I got this award because of God,” Janson told this writer after she was crowned that night.

Even from the time the pageant was just starting its publicity efforts, the 5’8 tall model was already deemed a frontrunner and favorite, although several long-time pageant watchers doubted if she could hurdle the question and answer portion come coronation night.

The final question was: “As Miss Cebu, how would you promote and preserve Cebuano culture?”

A very poised Janson provided an answer—though not the best that was heard that night—which was straightforward enough to nail her win: “I will let the people see what I’ve seen… Cebu is my home, my paradise.”

Aside from the title, Janson harvested several special awards namely, Miss Photogenic Ngenius, Miss Belo Essentials Star White Skin and Miss Jobs DB Beauty.

And as what was widely predicted, the strongest competitor of Janson during the pageant night was Miss Mandaue 2008, Rizzini Alexis Gomez, who landed first runner-up.

Rizzini also got the Miss Belo Beautiful, Miss Glamour Girl Cathay Pacific Airways and Best in Evening Gown courtesy of the well-acclaimed designer, Cary Santiago.

The physical therapy student of Cebu Doctor’s University, Kim Burden, was named second runner-up. She also won the Texter’s Choice Award.

Micelle Iva Eguia and Tara Frances Oliver, on the other hand, settled for the third and fourth runner-up slots, respectively.

Though she was not included in the Top 5, Shedda Lynn Dusaban was awarded as the Miss Waterfront Friendship and Most Radiant Smile. OJ Hofer got the Best Evening Gown Designer Award, which was worn by candidate Phoebe Kaye Fernandez.

It was indeed a night of beauties as past Miss Cebu Tourism and Miss Cebu winners from 1984 to present were acknowledged that night and sashayed down the ramp. These included, to the surprise of many, the first-ever Miss Cebu Tourism 1984, Janice Bañez, along with her runner-up Caroline Sainz.

Guest performers that night were crooner Richard Poon and homegrown talent Apple Abarquez, who was a Pinoy Dream Academy Season 2 finalist. Jude Bacalso handled the casual Q&A portion, while former Miss Cebu, Menchu Antigua, former Miss Cebu runner-up and now local TV host Katrina Isabelle Ros, as well as TV personality David Celdran were hosts of the evening.