Five crowns at stake in Binibining Cebu 2018

CEBU, Philippines — Fifty-four candidates, among them six single mothers, will vie for five crowns at stake in Binibining Cebu 2018 which officially began yesterday via a press presentation at the Mountain Wing Atrium of SM Seaside City Cebu.

 Apart from the existing Bb. Cebu, Bb. Cebu Tourism and Bb. Cebu Charity titles – Bb. Cebu Heritage and Bb. Cebu Ecology were added this year to complete the pageant’s thrust in extending their reach and contribution to the community. Bb. Cebu Heritage will promote the rich culture of Cebu, while Bb. Ecology will become the face of Cebu’s efforts for the preservation and development of the environment.

 The Bb. Sugbu Charity Foundation, Inc. and the Sacred Heart School for Boys Batch 1985 Foundation Inc. promise a grander pageant this second time around. It also plans on going bolder when it comes to purpose.

 SHS Batch 1985 Foundation Inc., and Bb. Sugbu Foundation Inc. president Kenneth Lim said in his welcome speech that he was moved by the acts of charity made by last year’s candidates and winners through the various programs they’ve done in the past year. Lim promises to bring the spotlight even to the smallest and farthest of Cebu’s 54 towns and showcase places that tourists don’t often get to visit.

 Alongside Lim were the core members of the Bb. Cebu organizing team: creative producer and renowned designer Kenneth Coponbue, project chairman Raymond Tio, pageant chairperson and master couturier Cary Santiago and artistic director Victor Hao Cuenco.

 This year’s batch is a mix of rookies and title-holders.

 Bb. Cebu 2017 candidates Tracy Maureen Perez and Lou Dominique Piczon are back as this year’s reps for Madridejos and Ronda, respectively.

 There are also titleholders and placers from major pageants such as reigning Hiyas Nan Carrascal Isabella Deutsch for Borbon; Miss Mandaue 2013, Reyna ng Aliwan in 2014 and Miss Beauche 2015 Steffi Aberasturi for Mandaue City; Miss Ormoc 2018 first runner-up Princess Donah Paraiso for San Francisco; Miss World Philippines 2012 second runner-up Vanessa Ammann for Cebu City South; and Miss Mandaue 2017 Ralphiela Lewis for Badian.

 The competition continues to push boundaries as they opened Bb. Cebu to single moms: Miss Philippines Earth Water 2014 Kim Covert for Alegria; 27-year-old dentist Amelie Mira Grauel for Compostela; Airline Information Science major Marie Shane Ortega for Dumanjug; Mutya ng Pilipinas 2012 second runner-up Sharon Angel for Ginatilan; 20-year-old English major Ivy Tapic for Naga City; and 22-year-old model Mary Grace Castillo San Fernando.

 Completing the list of the 54 candidates are: Augustina Odever for Alcantara; Grace Nooriza Lumbang for Alcoy; Angeli Christine Navarro for Aloguinsan; Kinji Salas for Argao; Allison Lo for Asturias; Alaia Doverte for Balamban; Mary Jae Felizarta for Bantayan; Marie Leolie Ursal for Barili; Mariah Gelina Lequin for Bogo City; Sheena Marie Selerio for Boljoon; Aeryka-Amm Robyn Pineda for Carcar City; Teri Marina Colmenares for Carmen; Karen Keith Go for Catmon; Dianne Padillo for Cebu City North; Jasmier Murray for Consolacion; Melody Ann Infante for Cordova; Rebekka Arnesen for Daanbantayan; Princess Joesel Bajamonde for Dalaguete; Christine Rudolph for Danao City; Maria Cielito Abendan for Lapu-Lapu City; and R-Jane Lugod for Liloan.

 Also in contention are Marianel Sacal for Malabuyoc; Sheena Balansag for Medellin; sisters Kristine and Kemberly Gillamac for Minglanilla and Santa Fe, respectively; Shaina Fame Mabatid for Moalboal; Rubby Clavel Verano for Oslob; Gerly Cotimar for Pilar; Arianne Manquiquis for Pinamungajan; Freelyn Mae Flores for Poro; Ivy Esparcia for Samboan; Maria Fe Loayon for San remigio; Nina Jane Cumayas for Santander; Ralene Lagudas for Sibonga; Angel Kate Uy for Sogod; Janine Gonob-Gonob for Tabogon; Zenny Shun for Tabuelan; Raschel Uy for Talisay City; Mary Grace Tautuan for Toledo City; Trixie Ong for Tuburan; and, Sheene Lady Maxelle Paller for Tudela.

 The reigning Binibinis – Bb. Cebu Apriel Smith, Bb. Cebu Tourism Samantha Lo and Bb. Cebu Charity Maria Gigante – were at a consensus that Bb. Cebu will be a test of professionalism and will awaken the ladies’ purpose.

 Two pre-pageant events have been laid out this year: The Resort Wear and Swimsuit Pre-pageant Gala Dinner on September 26, and the Pre-Pageant Interview on October 14, both to be held at Mandani Bay.

 The Binibining Cebu 2018 Grand Coronation Night will be on October 19 at the Pacific Grand Ballroom of the Waterfront Cebu City Hotel and Casino.