Connecting Cebu to the Universe

CEBU, Philippines —  After trending online for her Runway Challenge Video, Miss Universe Philippines 2021 delegate Steffi Rose Aberasturi took to her social media yesterday to express how she’s feeling “over the moon” with the effusive feedback, as she also gave the deserved credit to the team behind her  entry.

“It means the world to me that you appreciate all the creative effort, time, and passion that my team and I poured into this. This post is for those behind the scenes that deserve as much, if not more, credit for piecing together a collective vision for you all to see,” she began.

With the help of her agency, Stacy’s Model Management, she was able to form a team of what she described as some of Cebu’s most talented young creatives.

“Sleepless and in heavy protective gear, we trekked to our breathtaking venue at 3 am to try to catch a sunrise, but unfortunately, due to the sheer size of what will soon be the Philippines’ longest bridge, we just missed it,” said Steffi of their historic shoot at the Cebu-Cordova Link Expressway (CCLEX).

“Despite breaking a heel (literally) and the windy weather that made an already difficult shoot more challenging, we pushed through together. Everyone’s commitment and drive, along with my stylists being prepped for even a broken heel, pushed me to give my very best.”

Responsible for Steffi’s three outfit changes in the production are Kieren Stefan of Mandaue City who is known for his sophisticated designs and contemporary take on the terno, Jessie Lastimosa of Lapu-Lapu City who is a master of soft and feminine styles, and Oscar James of Cebu who comes from a family of artists and designs for modern unapologetic Filipinas

Cebu Province’s pride further shared that beyond the creativity and passion, what she’s proudest about her team are that they get to freely voice their opinions, listen and respect each other regardless of their differences – this amid malicious talk online targeting Steffi’s supposed political leanings.

“It’s dialogue and humility that make the dream truly work,” Steffi noted. “That dream is formed from all our backgrounds coming together. Religion, gender, race, or even our political stance, shouldn’t divide us. Now is the time to set aside our differences, communicate, and work together as one. At the end of the day, we all have one goal anyways – to live in a better universe.”

In an earlier post, the Binibining Cebu 2018 title-holder shared her immense pride on being the first to strut on the soon-to-open CCLEX – in heels at that.

“There’s more to Cebu than just beaches and heritage sites. It is the home of progress, opportunities and a melting pot of creative minds. The best part I am most grateful for is that we advance and thrive as one,” the Liloan resident wrote.

“I will continue to use my platform to the best of my ability to let the universe know how beautiful and amazing Cebu truly is!”

You can still vote for Steffi’s (and the rest of the Cebu delegates) Runway Challenge Video at the MUPH app until 11:59 pm of Saturday, Aug. 14.