MANILA, Philippines - Steffi Aberasturi (photo) made it a twin victory for Sinulog as she bested 16 other candidates for the Reyna ng Aliwan crown, giving Cebu its sixth straight win in the annual beauty pageant.
Crowd favorite Shaira Lenn Roberto, muse of the Singkaban festival of Bulacan, emerged first runner-up, while Michelle Monte of Iloilo’s Dinagyang, Hazel Mae Trasmonte of Sinulog sang Kabankalan and Maria Gigante of Bantayan Island’s Palawod festival were named second runners-up.
Steffi also took home the awards for Best in Swimsuit, Best in Evening Gown, Best in Festival Costume and Miss Unique Smile, while Maria was adjudged Star of the Night during the pageant. Lulette Ramilo, representing Isabela’s Bambanti festival, was named Most Photogenic.
The board of judges was composed of Deo Macalma of DZRH, 2013 Miss Universe third runner-up Ariella Arida, designer Frederick Peralta, Pete Dacuyuy of Mutya ng Pilipinas and Celle Caballero of Globe Telecom.
Those who missed the grand summer spectacle can watch the Aliwan Fiesta TV Special, which will air on May 20 at 7 p.m. over PTV 4.