Miss Cebu 2023 candidate #10  Charlene Canoy, 21

CEBU, Philippines — Charlene Canoy joined Miss Cebu 2023 for this sole reason: to share her purpose and life story to a wider audience.

“I want to become an inspiration because I am not from a privileged family,” she says, “yet here I am proving to all of you that even a girl starting from scratch can impact the community and become Miss Cebu 2023.”

An honor student taking up Mechanical Engineering at Cebu Technological University, Canoy supports Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama’s vision of a “Singapore-like” Queen City of the South – which is line with her advocacy of sustainable development.

“I want to become a spokesperson to educate people how we need to support the building of infrastructure, investment in technology, and the investment in renewable energy. I want to spread awareness [on sustainable development] so we can be united as one, to grow and make Cebu City more progressive and sustainable.”

If she emerges victorious on the January 11 coronation, she plans to push for the importance of incorporating industrial advancements whilst retaining the city’s rich culture and history.

“I want to use this opportunity as a Miss Cebu 2023 finalist to become a spokesperson, to promote the beauty of Cebu, and remind people of the beauty of their heritage, the long-lasting legacy of Cebu City, at the same time, embracing the beauty of revolution.”