18 vie for MUPh Cebu 2025 crown
CEBU, Philippines — Chella Grace Falconer had felt content being a top 16 finalist at Miss Universe Philippines 2021, appreciating the experience and friendships she gained. It was the outpouring of support that inspired her to give the pageant another shot.
“When Miss Universe Philippines Cebu (MUP Cebu) opened their applications, I said to myself, ‘Why don’t I join again?’” Falconer shared at MUP Cebu’s press conference and sashing ceremony held November 9 at SM Seaside City. “A lot of people messaged me; one fan in particular said they would cry if I didn’t join a pageant again.”
A native of Misamis Oriental, Falconer this time is representing Carcar City, saying she wants to embody the characteristics that define Cebu: delectable food, vibrant hotspots and the warmth of its people.
This time, she feels better equipped than she was in 2021. “I didn’t have a trainer for pasarela or a make-up artist who trained me. That’s probably why I didn’t make it to the top 10, because the other girls were so prepared. That’s one thing I am going to change for this year.”
Another familiar face aiming to be Kris Tiffany Janson’s successor is Miss Cebu 2022 Gabriella Mai Carballo.
“I had no intentions of ever becoming a beauty queen, but winning Miss Mandaue in 2018 made me realize how much responsibility it is to hold the title,” said Carballo, who is representing Cebu City-North. “It’s always been my goal to join Miss Universe Philippines Cebu. Now that I’m a doctor, I’m excited to pursue this six-year-old dream of mine.”
Considered not by a few as a shoo-in for the title, Carballo won Darling of the Press at Saturday’s event, with Falconer and Jennifer Kim Emmerich (Moalboal) rounding out the top three.
Carballo, a medical doctor, was also chosen Mags’ Best in Runway, with Sarah Hudson (the newly crowned Miss Consolacion) placing second and Falconer third.
“While I have experience, it’s only through local pageants. I have yet to compete nationally,” Carballo, 26, commented on being thought of as this batch’s strongest candidate. “The biggest thing that comes with this whole thing is a little bit of pressure. For me, I just don’t want disappoint myself primarily, and everyone else. In the end, I really take it as an honor.”
The rest of the candidates in this roster that was described by MUP Cebu franchise owner Irma Bitzer and creative director Danny Booc as “diverse” are: Christine Mae Saladaga (Cebu City-South), Jamie Javier (Lapu-Lapu City), Sofia Angelica Esgana (Minglanilla), Ethel Joy Batoon (Danao), Ahfinnie Tenebroso (Sogod); AJ Queniahan (Santa Fe), Bea Abucayan (Samboan), Chain Lee Templo (Tuburan), Jannah Salazar (Borbon), Katja Bacoy from (Ronda), Lyca Mae Saplad (Daanbantayan), Riza Mae Lapaz (Aloguinsan), Sunshine Iriarte (Medellin), and Shindell Atibula (Tabuelan).
Improving themselves
Through MUP Cebu, many of the ladies hope to address their weak spots.
“Whenever I join pageants, nobody expects me to win,” Salazar said. “My mom would remind me not to mind the other candidates, to focus on myself and do my best. That’s what I hope to do as I represent Borbon.”
Abucayan, an only child raised by a single mother, wants to strengthen her independence. “I used to join pageants to help with my college funds. Standing here is a testimony that even if you come from a challenging background, you can still achieve the universe. Being independent made me realize my strength. I was able to form a team that became a family helping me to achieve my dreams,” she said.
Facing skepticism in the past, Esgana is eager to step out of her comfort zone. “People would always tell me that I couldn’t compete with beautiful ladies with towering heights. But because I have this desire to join pageants, I elevated my mindset and became a stronger and more passionate beauty queen,” she said.
Bacoy, who became pregnant at 16, says she won’t let being a young mom “stop me from pursuing my dreams of joining Miss Universe Philippines.”.
Advocacies
Having established Green Wave Cebu during her reign as Miss Mandaue, Carballo aims to promote her organization’s environmental initiatives on a wider scale
“I am proud that many cities and municipalities in Cebu have started implementing environmental protections. But we need to bring these solutions to a national level. If I can be a small part of that while working with MUP Cebu, there’s nothing else I can ask for,” she said. “I want to take care of this planet so that our children, and their children, will have a safe place to live in the future.”
Emmerich, a Filipina-German, wants to push for sustainable tourism in her municipality.
“A lot of tourists who come to Moalboal are careless about what they do, especially in the marine areas. It’s common to see divers touching or harming marine life like corals and turtles, and this cannot be tolerated. Our reefs make us unique and should be preserved so that both locals and tourists can enjoy Moalboal,” she said.
Tenebroso, who grew up in a single-parent household, hopes to advocate for solo parents. “I could gather solo parents and educate them about their rights. There is an act protecting them, and I want them to know their rights, and partner with companies that can give them jobs,” she said.
MUP Cebu’s preliminaries will be on December 12, while the coronation night is slated for Dec. 18 at the Waterfront Cebu City Hotel and Casino.
- Latest
