The Binibining Cebu 2018 Long Gown Competition

CEBU, Philippines — Binibining Cebu 2018 hit two birds with one stone during the Swimsuit and Long Gown Competition held Wednesday night at The Tent in Mandani Bay.

Showcasing two sides of the 54 candidates, the ladies looked like goddesses in their long gowns, later on trading that unattainable elegance for playfulness in their Solti swimwear. Walking down the winding catwalk, the candidates gave a taste of their regality and charm as they took on two out of three pre-pageant events.

Judged by designer Kimberly Maitland Smith, Cebuano actor Richard Yap, dermatologist to stars and beauty queens Cecilia Bernad, Miss Manila 2018 Kathleen Joy Paton, and top pageant blogger Norman Tinio, the Long Gown and Swimsuit Competition each make 30 percent of their pre-pageant scores.

The candidates’ scores in the said competitions will be considered alongside their score in the Pre-Pageant Interview (25 percent) on Oct.14, still to be held at Mandani Bay. These pre-pageant scores will be combined with the organizers’ score (15 percent) for the candidates’ overall attitude which will then determine those who will make it to the Top 20 finalists on the Oct. 19 coronation night at Waterfront Cebu City Hotel and Casino.

 Designers from the Fashion Association of Cebu’s Elite Talents (FACET) dressed the ladies in gowns that served a resort vibe. Pageant chairperson Cary Santiago tapped 18 Cebuano designers namely Hannah Noel, Jan Tiong, John Arellano, Clieza Mayol, Lian Laoandalo, Jeph Polancos, Stef Tirado, Roxanna Baroquillo, Shayne Remoreras, Matthia Tangoan, Diane Ty, Niño Benito, Eyla Orais, Celine Borromeo, JP Cabigon, Pearl Arandia, Paco Serafica and Carol Escasinas – each one assigned a festive color to dress three candidates.

 The gowns, which had colors like aqua, maroon, magenta, chartreuse, golden yellow, lime green, coral,  forest green, orange, eggplant, and violet, among others, were meant to replicate the colors of the rainbow.

 Santiago named Diane Ty (dressed Steffi Aberasturi of Mandaue City, Sheena Balansag of Medellin and Kristine Gillamac of Minglanilla in flowing navy blue), Celine Borromeo (golden canary creations for Lou Dominique Piczon of Ronda, Ivy Esparcia of Samboan and Mary Grace Castillo of San Fernando) and JP Cabigon (royal blue confections for Princess Donah Paraiso of San Francisco, Shaznay Corres of San Remigio and Kemberly Gillamac of Santa Fe) as the top three best designers of the affair.

 As promised, Cebuano talents also took the stage, with the University of Cebu Dance Company opening every segment. Singers Von Saw, Jerika Teodorico and Lourdes Maglinte entertained the crowd with original music, performing “Imoha Ra Akong Kasingaksing,” “Baklay” and “Empty Sheets,” respectively. Binibining Cebu 2018 candidates Jasmier Murray of Consolacion, Kim Covert of Alegria, Christine Rudolph of Danao City and  Alaia Doverte of Balamban also serenaded the audience prior to walking the ramp.

 For the anticipated coronation night, creative director Kenneth Cobonpue promises another spectacle. The designer hints that they might use technology and experiment with different cameras. They might also reinvent traditional Cebuano music and incorporate a touch of modern into it.