Press presentation of Mister and Miss Mandaue 2011

CEBU, Philippines - The media got a front-row preview of the much-awaited Mister and Miss Mandaue 2011 selection nights at the seaside Ocean Pavilion of Shangri-la Resort and Hotel, and the blue waters of this lovely Mactan hotspot provided just the fitting backdrop for candidates to flaunt their beach-worthy bods. It was a muggy afternoon, but barely felt as excitement took over once the ladies and gents, all 32 of them, first strode on stage for a production number to the tune of Katy Perry’s “Firework.”

When the finalists reappeared in their playsuit and resort wear ensembles created especially for the pageant by designer Edwin Alba, it was ogling session from thereon. The females looked sailor chic in their navy blue rompers, while their male counterparts showed off what they’ve been logging gym time for in tie-string lounge shorts.

Then came the fun portion for us spectators, but a nerve-wracking part for the candidates — a random Q&A exercise that aimed to get a glimpse of their personalities, see how they fared in talking sense, and if their grammar and diction aren’t something to cringe at. They took questions from the most pompous to the very basic. In the end, the girls definitely scored better in the public speaking department, but we bet admirers of the Mr. Mandaue hunks couldn’t care any less.

Their number must have been the lucky digit for the day because after scrutiny from judges, both Mr. and Miss Mandaue candidates #4 were named the Media’s Choice. They were 18-year-old Lyrey Yves Campos of Velez College and Reygin Brion of University of San Jose Recoletos, also 18.

Campos was also included among the top five best in resort wear, together with Franz Jovenson Cimafranca (20, 5’7", University of San Carlos), Carlos Ching (21, 5’9", University of the Visayas), Daryl Borces (17, 5’10"; this UV student’s father is Ginoong Mandaue 1994) and Michael Vincent Tuico (20, 5’10", University of Cebu Lapu-Lapu Mandaue).

The top five best in playsuit were Brion, Crystal Star Aberasturi (18, 5’4", Cebu Doctor’s University), Jennibeth Delfin (19, 5’5", Philippine State College of Aeronautics), Maebelle Erica Barro (19, 5’7", USC-TC) and Donna Maricel Cardino (22, 5’8", Holy Name University).

The rest of the male candidates include Dard-Wali Arranchado (19, 5’8", Southwestern University), Rafael Dominic Torneros (20, 5’8", SWU), Don Aaron Inocian (21, 5’7", USC), Andres Estrada (20, 5’11", USJR), Ludwig Dan Beltran (20, 5’11", USC), Wenzel Don Sevilleno (20, 6’, SWU), Janfeihl Cid Orbeta (20, 5’11", USC), Richard Alex Ventura (18, 5’11", Velez College), Charles Kenneth Ron Matienzo (19, 5’11", Multi-Awardee Culinary School), Ummar Sambilad (21, 6’, Cebu Institute of Technology University) and Danilo Kelso Belangel (18, 6’1", USC).

Meanwhile, completing the female batch are Marjorie Cayasan (19, 5’3", USC), Shelly Therese Rodriguez (18, 5’3", CDU), Valene Lou Rosas (24, 5’5", SWU), Ann Vernice Cabasa (20, 5’5", CDU), April Ann Velasco (24, 5’5", UV), Lady Jernae Marquez (19, 5’5" UC Banilad), Michelle Jade Jaculan (20, 5’6", Indiana Aerospace University), Ma. Genefe Navilon (19, 5’6", USJR), Rosalyn Clavano (20, 5’6" USC), Astrid Adrienne May Hernandez (20, 5’8", Notre Dame of Dadiangas University) and Christine Paula Love Bernasor (24, 5’7" CNU).

Also in attendance during the press presentation were a handful of Mandaue City officials and members of the city’s beauty search executive committee, led by its chairperson, Mandaue City’s First Lady Sarah Walker-Cortes.

The Mr. Mandaue 2011 coronation night was last May 3, where 18-year-old Danilo Kelso Belangel was declared Mr. Mandaue 2011. Miss Mandaue 2011 coronation night will be on May 7, at the Cebu International Convention Center.