A MEDICAL student from Southwestern University won this year’s Miss Mandaue pageant, one of the highlights of the annual feast of St. Joseph the worker.
Ena Louis Velasco, 22, impressed judges when she mentioned her plan to organize medical missions and health-related programs to promote good health when she becomes a doctor.
The 5’9” candidate from Bacolod City bested 11 other candidates during Thursday’s pageant night held at the crowded Mandaue City Sports and Cultural Complex.
She won a cash prize of P70,000, a trophy, sash and a bouquet of flowers.
Velasco earlier won Bacolod City’s Masskara Queen Festival title in 2012.
The Filipina beauty, who was candidate No. 12, also won Best in Runway, Best in Fun Wear and best in Evening Gown.
“I had the confidence but I was not sure I would be chosen Miss Mandaue because other candidates were also very confident. I was surprised (that I won),” Velasco said in a post-pageant interview.
Caucasian beauty Cynthia Thomalia was first runner-up and brought home a P30, 000 cash prize.
Thomalia also won several special awards which include Miss Michael Wine, Miss Gems and Designs, Miss Fitness, Miss Professionalism and Miss Photogenic.
Other winners were Beatrice Luigi Gomez – second runner-up, Elizabeth Scheer – third runner-up and Kelsey Quinn Adams – fourth runner-up.
Adams also won the Texters’ Choice Award and Best in Talent for singing Beyoncé Knowles’ “Listen.”
Scheer won Miss Kin 911.
Other awards went to Claire Pestañ- Media’s Choice Award, Erika Bacalaan – Miss Congeniality and Orange Lucero – Miss Ngenius.