Lapu-Lapu City bet crowned 1st Ginoong Cebu

CEBU, Philippines — Competing with 27 other gentlemen all over Cebu, 24-year-old Junichi Yabushita bested them all during the Ginoong Cebu 2018 coronation night held December 15 at the Cebu Coliseum.

“I feel very overwhelmed because I didn’t expect it. I never heard the full question so I never expected anything. The results were in the hand of the judges,” Junichi, who represented Mactan, Lapu-Lapu City in the male pageant, admits in an interview post-victory.

The Filipino-Japanese hunk talked about the values of responsibility, bravery and honesty during the final question and answer segment. These traits, he said, were the things that defined Ginoong Cebu when he was asked about who Ginoong Cebu is.

“Ginoong Cebu is defined by someone who will win tonight. And throughout the competition I have learned three values: responsibility, bravery, and honesty,” he began.

“Responsible, meaning someone who is able to uphold the responsibility given to him. Someone who is brave enough to trust in his words, culture, and heritage. To stand for what he believes in and be brave enough to speak up to people who don’t believe him. He is not perfect, but when you are honest when you commit mistakes, you learn from it and come back stronger. I believe I have learned these throughout the competition and I am ready to be your first ever Ginoong Cebu,” he said.

As Junichi puts it, his Ginoong Cebu experience was a rollercoaster ride. Hailing from Pajo, Lapu-Lapu City, Junichi’s school schedule has been hectic. The veterinary medicine student only had time to focus on his diet and work on a little bit of Q&A training. Ginoong Cebu is also his pageant comeback after a two-year break. He said that the experience allowed him to learn the tricks of the trade once more.

“I decided to join because it’s been two years since my last pageant. I recently graduated and passed the board exam so now I had the free time to join. It was all new to me again. It felt like I was learning from scratch, learning from the start. I didn’t expect anything. I just really did my best and wished that the judges would see that and they did! So I’m very thankful.”

A registered nutritionist-dietician, Junichi, who finished his Nutrition and Dietetics degree at Cebu Doctors’ University, revealed that he’s not certain about his upcoming pageant plans. He wants to focus on his studies and hopefully achieve his lifelong dream of becoming a veterinarian.

“When I worked as a nutritionist-dietician, there are just dreams that never die,” says Junichi, adding that his love for animals has always been a driving force in his life.

“Yes, I’ve always wanted to be a vet ever since. I really love animals so much because growing up, I had a lot of pets. They gave me love and care. Coming from a broken family, my pets…they make me feel so complete.”

As someone who has been bullied, he took the opportunity to inspire others with his new title.

“I’ve been bullied a lot. For not being great enough, for being fat. There will be a turning point in your life where you learn to love yourself. Don’t stop believing. One day you’ll be great success story,” said Junichi, who also won Best in Barong Tagalog during coronation night and Best Christmas Theme Wear during their pre-pageant event held Nov. 16 at Robinsons Galleria Cebu.

Making up the Ginoong Cebu 2018 court are Delio Duja of Asturias crowned as Ginoong Rajah; Cebu City’s Mark Guerra as Ginoong Lakandula; Toledo City bet Mikhail Godornes as first runner-up and Mr. Photogenic; and Edbert Duhaylungsod of Compostela as second runner-up.

Also making it to the Top 8 were Ram Termulo of Badian, Dexter Tundag of Liloan, and People’s Choice Award winner Kim Joshua Cañedo of Minglanilla.

During the coronation night, the 28 candidates paraded in their Festival Costume, showed off their physique in swimwear by Noel Inez, took the stage in their Barong Tagalog, and showcased their wit through a preliminary Q&A portion.

Other special awardees include Pinamungajan bet Christian Palasol for Best in Swimwear and Mr. Congeniality; Vengue James Gomez Trozo of Dalaguete for Best in Festival Costume which was inspired by the Utanon Festival of Dalaguete; San Fernando’s Dominic Mina for Best in Production Number; Genrov Rabusa of Moalboal for the Texter’s Choice Award; and Kim Charlemagne Oracion of San Remegio for the Social Media Choice Award.

Apart from the minor, special, and corporate awards, three gentlemen were also chosen to become part of the Man of the Globe Philippines 2019 competition. From the 28, Edbert Duhaylungsod of Compostela, Alexis Malagar of Carmen, and Delio Duja of Asturias are expected to compete in the national tilt next year.