UP Cebu student is Miss Cebu 2014

Miss Cebu 2014 Cheriemel Diane Muego is flanked by her court. (CDN PHOTO/ LITO TECSON)

A political science student of the University of the Philippines-Cebu was crowned Miss Cebu 2014 at the Waterfront Cebu City Hotel at past 10 p.m tonight.

Nineteen-year-old Cheriemel Diane Muego’s answer about the unity and oneness of Cebuanos with the rest of the country won over both the judges and the audience.

“We cannot make a parallel comparison with Hong Kong, Singapore and Cebu. The idea of Cebu becoming independent is absurd. We will become a country within a country. We will have logistical problems. Being our own republic is like cutting our umbilical cord from our country. If Cebu were a separate country, we will face greater challenges… we will have problems protecting our own… we will have insecurity in our borders,” Muego said during the preliminary question and answer portion.

Pageant host and Ms. Earth beauty titlist Karla Henry described Muego’s answer as “absolutely amazing.”

When asked what she can do as Miss Cebu for the Yolanda typhoon victims, Muego replied that she already did by sparking a sense of volunteerism among the youth. I believe that power is in the collective and it’s only if we march forward in unison together that we can achieve our goals and inspire others that we can give hope to people to rise again,” Muego said.

The pageant favorite, Eva Psychee Patalinhug is crowned first runner-up.

An elaborate dance number kicked off the Miss Cebu 2014 pageant held at the Waterfront Cebu City Hotel this evening. Clad in black and white attire, the 12 contestants danced with Miss Cebu 2013 Neesha Lucero Murjani and several dance groups to the delight of the audience.

Kate Torralba, a Cebuano designer and musician, rendered a live acoustic version of the Cebuano classic “Usahay” followed by several production numbers.

The event’s host Miss Cebu 2010 titlist, now Mrs. Reena Malinao-Tan, acknowledged the VIP guests and mentioned that this year marked the 30th edition of the Miss Cebu pageant.

The judges consist of New York-based photographer Xander Angeles, Wedding writer and Metro Society managing editor Georgia Del Rosario, ABS-CBN artist Bobby Yan, corporate professional and mogul Maricor Manlangit and fashion artist and designer Jesus “Jojie” Joren. Another production number followed by Visayas ABS-CBN’s very own K-BOYZ who sang the song “beautiful Cebuana.”

The 12 candidates later went on stage wearing their evening gowns. Candidates 1 to 3 wore gowns by designer Barbie Alvez, while candidates 4, 5, and 6 wore those designed by Yvonne Quisombing. Candidates 7, 8, and 9 wore gowns by Protacio, while contestants 10, 11, and 12 wore gowns designed by Edwin Ao. Local awards were given by TV host Jonathan Cimafranca and Miss Cebu 2009 Kris Janson.

“Artist Ko” members performed their local Cebuano hit “Matahum nga Cebu” followed by a lineup of past Miss Cebu finalists and winners from the early 80s to the millennium. During the question and answer portions, candidate number 3 Hannah Marie Gore and candidate number 8 Cheriemel Diane Muego drew the most applause.

Song numbers by ABS-CBN Cebuano talent Pierro Vergarra and Annette Osmeña, Penshoppe model and granddaughter of former Cebu governor Lito Osmena’s granddaughter followed afterwards.

List of Winners

Miss Cebu 2014 – Cheriemel Diane Muego

1st runner-up – Eva Psychee Patalinhug

2nd runner-up – Hannah Marie Gore

3rd runner-up – Grace Anne Marie Yap

4th runner-up – Crystal Star Aberasturi

Special Awards

Kapamilya Star of the Night – Eva Psychee Patalinhug

Best in Evening Gown – Eva Psychee Patalinhug

Miss Friendship by Waterfront – Eva Psychee Patalinhug

Miss Photogenic by Ngenius – Eva Psychee Patalinhug

Designer of the Night – Marichu Tan worn by Ayn Ilya Ingking

Best Designer – Ditas Rodriguez