Binibining Cebu survival guide from the reigning queens

CEBU, Philippines — With pre-pageant activities taking place next month and the awaited coronation moved to January, reigning Binibining Cebu title-holders – Bb. Cebu 2018 Steffi Rose Aberasturi, Bb. Cebu Tourism 2018 Kimberly Covert, Bb. Cebu Charity 2018 Tracy Maureen Perez, Bb. Cebu Heritage 2018 Lou Dominique Piczon, and Bb. Cebu Ecology 2018 Isabela Deutsch – share wise words for aspiring successors and give a crash course on how to become a woman worthy of their crowns.

On professionalism and working with one’s team

Steffi: Be diligent and follow certain calls. This is where you start to build a good impression and relationship with the candidates and organizers. I have always been giving my full trust to my team and handlers. Be open to all their comments and suggestions because they want nothing but the best for you.

Kim: Remember you entered this competition to dedicate your time and energy in giving back. The people behind the pageant will always want the best for us and will be there from the competition until you turn over. Be respectful and open with what you want to achieve. You know yourself better than anyone, always trust yourself first then choose a team who respects that and helps brings out the best version of you.

Tracy: Respect each other’s time especially that of the organizers and staff. If you really can’t attend or when you need to catch up on an activity because of school, work, or emergency, inform the person in charge ahead of time. Treat everyone with respect and kindness. No matter how tired or busy you are, you should still be able to address anyone with a positive attitude. Ladies, just let go. Your handlers are there to help you and see things in a different light, so just focus on acing the activities, trainings, rehearsals, and especially the coronation night.

Lou: Know your responsibilities and stop making false excuses, especially with schedules. Figure out how to balance your time and show up when you’re needed. Know one’s place with the organizers because a diva can only go so far in the competition and in the hierarchy. Your handlers are in it to win it just as much as you are. You just have to trust them because they’re the game planners. Trust yourself too: work side by side with them in strategizing what works for you.

Isabela: Professionalism is top priority in this industry. Candidates and organizers are expected to do their job well, to be respectful, and to handle things professionally. We need to learn how to deal with people who have higher authority because they know how everything works. Don’t step in places you are not supposed to step in and always think before speaking out. It isn’t just sitting still and looking pretty but there are responsibilities. There has to be a mutual understanding between both parties to attain unity for the whole organization. Don’t be afraid to speak out if you have issues with your hair and makeup or the way they handle you. As a candidate, you have the right to suggest your preferences. You and your team should always meet halfway and work out what’s best for you.

On sizing up the competition

Steffi: Smile and be friendly, because at the end of the day you will be each other’s backbone on stage. Humility will lead you to real good friends who will be happy for your success.

Kim: The candidates will become your sisters in the months to come. Never let go of hurtful words about any of them. Be a team player and support other women. It’s always nice to have someone who has your back in the competition.

Tracy: Be light, bubbly, and positive. Keep a healthy competition, always help each other, and always try to learn from each other.

Lou: Treat yourselves as equals and more of sisters than competition. Oftentimes we miss out on the real person because you’re too focused on how to beat them. If I became so competitive, I would have never gained friends after the pageant.

Isabela: Don’t make this pageant a battleground. Create an atmosphere of support, where women empower women. In my batch, I’ve had the best times of my life because I valued the relationship I had with my co-candidates. Some of them now became family to me and that’s honestly the most fulfilling part of the competition.

On dealing with yourself and putting on a show

Steffi: Never settle for less. Always dare to be different, dare to come out. You will be surprised how you can be better than what you used to be. Training and being

self-driven is what one must have. Set your mind to a certain goal so you will have a reason to never stop doing your best.

Kim: Don’t be afraid to be true to yourself. This is one thing that will set you apart. Be prepared. At any time. When on stage, give it your all. This moment will only co7me once.  You regret most the things you don’t do. For the single moms competing, you got this! It’s an honor to see fellow mommas back in the game.

Tracy: Oftentimes, our greatest competition is our self. We feel doubts, insecurities, fear, frustration, anxiety, and all those weird feelings. You have every right to feel all these but what’s important is accepting these emotions and putting them behind. If they get too much to handle, think why you’re here, who you’re fighting for, and remember to let your dreams be bigger than your fears. When you know you’ve given your all, there will be no regrets.

Lou: It’s all in your head. Distract yourself from yourself because losing focus is an ingredient to a wrecked performance. Treat every performance like it’s your last chance to impress and showcase yourself even if it’s only the pre-pageant, which in fact is important because it leads you to the Top 25. Always bring you’re A-game, because if you don’t, might as well call it quits. Don’t forget to have fun and raise your municipality or city’s flag with pride and dignity.

Isabela: I understand there are a million things a girl has to deal with within herself. May it be physically, mentally or emotionally. You know your strengths and weaknesses and it is important that you know where you have to work on. If it is a physical aspect, embrace your imperfections because that’s what makes you, you. If you want to change anything about your physical state then do it. It all lies on your choices. How I deal with emotional and mental issues, I always remember Bible verses. There are so many promises that I hold on to and that’s what kept me going. Fight your thoughts with the truth, and the truth is, you are beautiful, worthy, brave, you are loved dearly, you are a conquerer and you are more than enough. For students, plan out your month, your week and your day. I plan out my errands on a day-to-day basis and it helped me manage my time. Don’t procrastinate. Take vitamins and hydrate because this isn’t an easy competition. Take care of your mind, body and spirit because you can’t afford to miss a day in class or pageant activities. The more you ask God for help, the easier the day gets. Have fun. Own that stage as if no one is looking at you. I don’t put too much pressure on myself when I join competitions. Just go out there, show them who you really are, and see how far that will get you.

On being in the public eye

Steffi: Learn to appreciate everybody’s effort. The fact that they are there should always mean a lot to you and the best way to repay their support is by being grateful.

Kim: Be humble but always be opinionated. Expect to be judged by the public, but at the end of the day, if you are sure of yourself then you wouldn’t have to worry. Stay humble and avoid drama.

Tracy: There’s really no better way of dealing with anyone than being yourself. Just always carry with you your good values and you can never go wrong with how you treat others.

Lou: They’re not all nice, to be honest. So just focus on the ones who lift you up and cheer you on. They’re the ones that will keep you going.

Isabela: As candidates, you are all public images. You are exposed to a lot of people and this adds a lot of pressure on you. Be mindful of your actions and words and be respectful towards everyone you meet.