Will the Miss Cebu pageant have two consecutive winners coming from the University of the Philippines (UP) Cebu?
Though nothing is for certain until the crown is placed on the lucky lady’s head this Wednesday, 20-year-old UP Cebu alumnus Wynonah Joy Buot is making a strong bid for the distinction and has started to set herself apart by winning two special awards during the Miss Cebu 2015 Pre-Pageant Night held last Saturday at The Terraces of the Ayala Center Cebu. (The reigning Miss Cebu is Cheriemel Diane Muego, also from UP-Cebu).
Clad in a jazzy creation by Mary Ty, 20-year-old Buot claimed the Best in Fun Wear as well as the Miss Ayala Fiesta Island awards. A fashion model, she exuded more confidence than most, thanks to her throng of supporters who made themselves known whenever she was on stage. Buot also made an impact during the casual question and answer portion as she encouraged everyone to start going beyond their limits.
Clavano and Buot
receive their special awards (CDN PHOTO/ Gerard Pareja)
When asked by the event’s host, Miss Cebu 2011 Mia Ali Faridoon what lessons she has so far learned in her Miss Cebu journey, Buot answered: “I was never a beauty pageant enthusiast and what I’ve learned is that you have to start breaking your limits. Back at the university, my only priority was the finish college with flying colors and I did. I graduated last April 2013 as cum laude at the University of the Philippines Cebu. And for me that was a great achievement but then I realized when I heard Miriam Defensor Santiago’s speech during our graduation rites, that when opportunity comes you must grab it, grab it with all your might and so I’m here because I believe that I can achieve something greater and that is Miss Cebu 2015.”
Also taking home a special award—Miss Gems and Designs—was 23-year-old Rosalyn Clavano. The Best Fun Wear designer award went to Joyce Maw.
The judges during during Saturday’s event were Cebuano photographer extraordinaire Dr. Erwin Lim, Ayala Center Cebu deputy general manager Celeste “Bong” Dy and the Philippine Folkloric Ensemble’s Arabel Panganiban.
With the grand coronation night just days away (to be held Wednesday at the Grand Pacific Ballroom of the Waterfront Cebu City Hotel and Casino), the finalists took the stage one more time to leave their impression upon the gathered audience. And that they did in their unique fun wear ensembles created by some of Cebu’s finest designers, namely, Rei Escario, Charmaine Chua, JP Cabigon, Mique Yapching, Roni Yu, Mary Ty and Joyce Maw.
The finalists also took the time to share their personal stories during the on-stage interviews, with some sharing their Miss Cebu experiences, others talking about their advocacies while one—Mary Cyrelle Wong—summoned the strength and the grace to talk about an ordeal that she has grown stronger from.
“I am a domestic violence survivor and to tell you honestly, it is not an easy feat because it is so hard to reach out and ask for help because you are afraid. But you have to realize your self-worth and you have to step out and you have to be strong,” Wong said.
This year’s candidates are: Hanica Rachael Aishia J. Ong, Febb C. Flores, Mary Cyrielle A. Wong, Aivy Mae R. Castro, Katherine D. Jumapao, Rio Liza M. Vestil, Lucena Rose M. Magdadaro, Catherine E. Mier, Rosalyn P. Clavano, Ma. Genefe B. Navilon, Domenic L. Reynes, and Wynonah Van Joy C. Buot.
