20 ladies vie to represent Cebu at Supermodel International Philippines

CEBU, Philippines — While there has been no let-up in beauty pageants, modeling competitions seem to have taken a backseat – which is why the Cebu regional directors of Supermodel International Philippines were excited to acquire a franchise for the Canada-based tilt.

For the first time in 12 years, Supermodel International Philippines decided to hold a regional search after its chairman Limuel Hayag Vilela met Cebuana beauty queens, Elite Mrs. Philippines International 2021 Ginee Antigua Louw and Mrs. Cebu Philippines Tourism 2022 Irma Payod-Bitzer, at an awards ceremony in Manila and broached the idea of getting a franchise.

Along with its artistic director Danny Booc, Supermodel International Philippines-Cebu is being headed by Louw as marketing director and Bitzer as finance head. The trio recently introduced their 20 finalists during a fashion show (with designs by Auguste Izhar Pepito) and press conference at Level 6 of Metro Ayala Center Cebu.

“The expectation for Cebu is high because of the sash factor. Almost a hundred girls tried to audition for the Cebu search, which our committee trimmed to 20 of the most potential supermodels in Cebu province. And most of our contestants are fresh faces,” says Booc, a designer, beauty queen maker, and model mentor.

The group will have its finalists undergo numerous trainings and workshops, including for pasarela, makeup, and public speaking. An open photo shoot is also one of the activities since the ladies are also being trained to be print models.

“Basically if you say supermodel – bone structure and height,” says Booc. “This time, it’s the X-factor. We don’t have a Q&A portion during the competition…so it will all about the aura, physical beauty, and of course, the right attitude.”

They are hoping to send 3-5 candidates to the nationals, which will hold its finals on May 30 at Lucena City, Quezon Province. The Cebu leg, meanwhile, has set its finals on April 22 at JPark Island Resort and Waterpark in Lapu-Lapu City.

The finalists are:

1. Jamie Javier, 21, 5’4

2. Caitlin Arias Martinez, 17, 5’8

3. Angel Ann Riesenbeck, 16, 5’7

4. Idel Malata, 19, 5’7

5. Danielle Rose Salomago, 23, 5’7

6. Kirsten Dawn Delerio, 16, 5’9

7. Mica Durano, 16, 5’6

8. Jessa Camacho, 27, 5’7’

9. Arielle Lyka Codezar, 19, 5’7

10. Faith Inot, 20, 5’6

11. Shindell Atibula, 19, 6’0

12. MJ Prieto, 22, 5’6

13. Kathlyn Mae Ao Maglapus, 17, 5’9

14. Angel Dianne Soon, 16, 5’8

15. Lovelyn Yonson, 27, 5’8

16. Sheena Durano, 22, 5’6

17. Eva Krizzia Balugo, 20, 5’4

18. Katrina Jane Segarra, 19, 5’7

19. Faith Nicole Cawit, 19, 5’9

20. Charisse Jean Navaja, 18, 5’9