Miss Cebu to become Binibining Cebu?

CEBU, Philippines - It looks like Cebuano pageant fans will still have a grand beauty tilt to anticipate come January 2017.

According to a source, a beauty pageant will still be held during the annual Sinulog Festival Week next year in lieu of the cancelled Miss Cebu contest. But this time, it will be called Binibining Cebu.

The source said that organizers of this rebranded competition will be renowned fashion designer Cary Santiago, world-class furniture designer and manufacturer Kenneth Cobonpue and Presidential Assistant to the Visayas Michael Dino.

Sought-after makeup artist and beauty queen-maker Jonas Borces will be the consultant of the said pageant, which will begin screening applicants sometime this month, the source added.

More crowns are reportedly at stake, which will include Bb. Cebu-Universe, Bb. Cebu-Earth, Bb. Cebu-World, among others. The respective title-holders will then be groomed to compete in the corresponding national pageants like Bb. Pilipinas, Miss Philippines Earth and Miss World Philippines.

The source further dished that organizers thought of first re-naming the pageant to Bb. Visayas, but later on decided to go with Bb. Cebu instead.

Bb. Cebu is said to be open to ladies from other regions, as long as they have Cebuano roots. Former Miss Cebu runners-up are reportedly allowed to join.

Last July, Cebu City Mayor Tomas Osmeña had announced the cancellation of Miss Cebu 2017 “to cut on unnecessary expenses.” He also said that the awaited pageant, which would have marked its 33rd edition next year,  is a waste of taxpayer’s money.

“It’s very elitist. It’s only for the rich,” remarked Osmeña, adding that a few City Hall personnel suggested holding barangay-based pageants instead. –VAB (FREEMAN)