Boholana beauty queen seeks KF-Cebu’s guidance

CEBU, Philippines — All eyes have been on Cebu the past week with Talisay City bet Gazini Ganados going against all odds and winning the Miss Universe Philippines crown.

While others try to figure out the secret to molding a queen worthy of the universe, Boholana beauty Celina Villoceno is about to find out.

Currently competing in Miss Bohol 2019, Celina, known as Yna to friends and family, is on her way to reaching her full potential as Cebuano queen-makers do their usual magic.

The Tourism Management graduate decided to come to the Queen City of the South to prepare herself for the big leagues. And who better to do that than the people who helped a Cebu representative nab the Miss Universe Philippines 2019 crown, and many other national and international pageant titles?

“I’ve decided to train here in Cebu because I am a newbie in pageantry and I believe I need someone who will guide me through the process. We haven’t started yet but I already met Mommy Jonas Borces of Kagandahang Flores (KF)-Cebu,” she says.

“Kagandahang Flores Cebu has coached hundreds of girls and young women for regional and national pageants. I know I am in good hands.”

The 22-year-old Tagbilaran City native never thought she’d love the pageant stage as she initially wanted to become a teacher. But she was waylaid when opportunities to model came when she was 16 years old.

“Some things are just really unexpected and I am actually happy where I am right now. What inspired me to pursue pageantry is the idea of serving the province of Bohol by being pro-active with the various advocacies of Miss Bohol and standing out as a spokesperson for various activities,” Yna tells The FREEMAN.

Before winning Mutya sa Tagbilaran 2019, Yna’s last pageant was seven years ago. That time, she swore never to step on the pageant stage again.

“After that experience I told myself that I wouldn’t join again because I wasn’t good enough. It was a long journey, and I really had to find myself,” she shares. “I believe that I’ve gathered enough lessons by joining Mutya sa Tagbilaran that have made me confident. I am proud that I conquered my fears and ready to face what lies ahead.”

Despite her fears, Yna gave pageants another try. She not only emerged as Tagbilaran’s fairest, but also as a woman who found courage and strength anew.

The youngest of six siblings, Yna shares her recent success with everyone who stood behind her in pursuit of her dreams. Considering her mother as her role model, Yna shares how she taught her the value of hard work and going the extra mile. It was also from her mother that she learned the importance of doing what you love and believing in your unique capabilities. Without that kind of support, Yna says she wouldn’t have become the dreamer that she is today.

“I am ambitious and driven. I believe that the sky is the limit. If you put your mind to it, you can accomplish anything. I am not comfortable with settling and I’m always looking for an opportunity to do better,” says Yna, who is currently working as a front office clerk in a hotel.

When she’s not on stage, Yna enjoys hiking with friends. She cherishes these little trips because they calm her and allow her to explore more of nature. Perhaps it is this hobby that has Yna eyeing a certain crown. She wants to bring honor to Bohol by becoming Miss Philippines Earth someday.

As a tourism graduate, Yna advocates for the elimination of single-use plastic and personally makes it a point to minimize waste by reusing and recycling.

While she always wanted to become an academician as a child, Yna understands now that she can fulfill her dream of encouraging people to realize their potential and touching their lives by taking advantage of the platforms provided by pageants.

“I think you and I should both watch out for the unleashing of my full potential because pageantry is really a new path for me since I’m used to modelling only. I would like to be remembered as a person who is kind, compassionate and a source of inspiration and motivation for others.”