Miss Cebu Chermiel Diane Muego
It was a lively Thursday morning when the Play! pool spent time with the newly-crowned Miss Cebu, lovely Political Science major from the University of the Philippines Cebu, Cheriemel Diane Muego.
A mere 12 hours after her momentous win, the 5’6” bronze-skinned beauty truly looked every bit Cebu’s ambassadress—a regal stature, confident stride, not to mention sharp and striking features. And it’s quite amazing how she’s been functioning on a few hours of sleep with the months of arduous preparations for what was to be the biggest night of her young life.
We talked about the her life, the comings and goings of joining Cebu’s most prestigious beauty pageant.
Diane spoke at length and with more clarity about who she was and what she intended to bring to the table during her reign. She emanates genuine passion towards making a real difference in the city, especially for those affected by the recent tragedies that befell Cebu.
But don’t take our word for it. Read on about her thoughts. Today we proudly present your new Miss Cebu, Miss Cheriemel Diane Fuego.
What’s it like to wake up and realize that you’re Miss Cebu?
Oh, yes! I slept at 4 a.m. trying to internalize everything that has happened. Me and the girls—we have been through a lot together, from our white-and-khaki days to the different pageant activities. And to win the crown? Overwhelming!
Miss Cebu 2014 Cheriemel Diane Muego (2nd from right) with runners-up (from left) Grace Anne Marie Yap, Eva Psychee Patalinjug and Hannah Marie Gore (CDN PHOTO/ DR. FRANCIS XAVIER SOLIS)
Were you confident about winning the crown?
I was confident that I would win the crown. But I had doubts, too. Usually when I join pageants, I hope for the best but I don’t expect too much to avoid being frustrated in the end. With Miss Cebu, I was just hoping for the crown. And when I won the title, I was very overwhelmed. I didn’t know what was happening on the stage then. I didn’t know that the crown was on my head and the sash already pinned.
Do you consider yourself as an underdog in the pageant?
Based on people’s reactions and the different blogs that I read, I was happy not getting negative comments in the pre-pageant. I also heard that some people were rooting for me during coronation night. I don’t think I was the underdog. I was optimistic.
At what point during the pageant did you realize that you had a great shot at winning it?
I felt good from the pre-judging and during the casual interview.
Tell us a more about yourself.
My family is in Ormoc because we have a business there, but my mom is originally from here and we have relatives in Labangon. I’m often in Cebu. And since I’ve been studying in UP, I have been living by myself for four years already.
So you’re a graduating student? How did you manage to balance the pressures of school and Miss Cebu?
Aside from graduating, I’ve also been working on my thesis alone and I’m currently in the student council. It’s just a matter of proper time management and prioritizing.
Speaking of priorities, what’s next for you?
Pushing for my advocacies and promoting Cebu as well. I realize now that I am the city’s representative so my focus is to make the most of my reign. I want to give it my best shot.
Chermiel Diane Muego and her crown. (CDN PHOTO/ DR. FRANCIS XAVIER SOLIS)
Did you always want to be a beauty queen?
Yes! I dreamed of becoming a beauty queen. When I saw the Miss Cebu pageant back in 2010, I was inspired and told myself that my ultimate goal would have to be Miss Cebu. Right now, I’m not thinking of any more beauty pageants. Miss Cebu would probably be the last pageant that I’ll join.
What’s the best part of the entire Miss Cebu experience?
Being with the girls. Being with the commissioners and the rest of the Cebu City Tourism Council staff. It’s like having another family in Cebu. We had a lot of moments together and each one was very memorable for me.
What was the most challenging part?
Managing my time. Miss Cebu really took up a lot of my time.
What’s an ordinary day for you like? Look back to the time before you became Miss Cebu.
I go to school with makeup (laughs). I did my own makeup for nearly all the activities. Usually I’d bring a few sets of clothes and then I change at school. I go to activities and afterwards, I change again and go back to school to catch my classes. Because of the Miss Cebu activities, I had to miss some sessions. After school, I head home to prepare for the day ahead or go to Talamban to be trained by Jonas Borces, my mentor or to my agency, Marlon Wafer Models.
Tell us one thing you didn’t know until you joined Miss Cebu.
Doing my own makeup! Before I joined, I was a frustrated makeup artist, but being with the girls who were really good at it, I learned how. I can use this skill in my future endeavors especially with all the engagements I have to attend as Miss Cebu.
Let’s talk about your plans.
I plan to be a political science or history professor. Before I wanted to become a lawyer, but at the moment, it’s tough because it’s very expensive. So right now, I want to become a full-time professor and work part-time with a nongovernment organization (NGO).
What is the one thing that you are looking forward to the most?
My reign. I want to leave a good legacy especially since I won the crown on the 30th anniversary of Miss Cebu.
Do you have beauty queen role models?
The past Miss Cebu winners—I’ve seen how they are and mingled with them throughout the activities. I can say they’re really deserving of the title. They weren’t just physically beautiful but also very good representatives of the city.
Tell us more about your answer during the final Q&A portion.
As part of the student council, we have initiated donation drives and rehabilitation efforts. I was also an intern at the fisherfolks development center, and with my agency and Miss Cebu, we also went to Bantayan and extended some help. My own little way of contributing time, resources and effort. I think we gathered a lot of volunteers from the school and inspired them to help. I’m very proud that we were able to do that—and I wasn’t Miss Cebu yet.
