Cebu City Tourism Commission Relaunches Miss Cebu

By Allain Dumon Fonte

Like a phoenix that resurrects from the ashes, so shall Miss Cebu 2022 blooms to a new dawn in the Queen City of the South.  After 5 years of hiatus and whispered controversies that surround it, the Cebu City Tourism Commission is relaunching the search for Miss Cebu.   Now is truly the high time that Cebu City must crown her new queen to bring back the spirit of pride amongst Cebuanos; and to have a queen to lead us in rekindling our passion to make Cebu City number one, again.

Miss Cebu was officially relaunched on the 16^th of September 2021 at IL CORSO Mall at the South Road Properties; headed by Cebu City Tourism Commissioners, Hon. Philip Rodriguez and Hon. Cinbeth Orellano, and pageant director, Engr. Junget Primor.  The launching was attended by Miss Cebu past winners, Cebu’s celebrated couturiers: Dexter Alazas, Edwin Ao, Jun Escario, and Jun Protacio; and celebrating with them are the ladies and gentlemen of the media and of the Cebu City Tourism Commission Office.

The Relaunching of Miss Cebu.  Miss Cebu Winners:  Loise Angelique Tan-Young (Miss Cebu 2007), Kris Tiffany Janson (Miss Cebu 2009), Karla Paula Henry-Amman (Miss Cebu 2nd runner up, 2006), and Eva Psychee Patalinghug (Miss Cebu 1st runner up, 2014)

Miss Cebu…Then!

In the age of industrialization, the countries in the Asia Pacific region were coping with globalization and international trade.  The Philippines is on a strategical advantage being the gateway to the East; and made Cebu as the Queen City of the South for her central location.  Gifted with pristine beaches, abundant highlands, developing urban lifestyle, rich heritage, and friendly and skilled people, Cebu became an incomparable jewel for many investors.  So in1983, some leaders and a few stakeholders from the Hotels, Resorts, and Restaurants Association of Cebu blessed with foresight, took advantage of the opportunities, and promoted Cebu as a travel and holiday destination; rebranding Cebu as an “Island in the Pacific”.  Hence, the birth of Miss Cebu Tourism in 1984.

Miss Cebu Tourism Coronation Ceremony

The Miss Cebu Tourism became an avenue to search for a Cebuana who shall embody the characteristics of Cebuanos and promote the tourism landmarks of the region.  The Miss Cebu Tourism ran from 1984 to 1999 and has produced beauty queens that effectively promoted Cebu to the world. Because of this, Cebu was featured countless times in international travel magazines like “The Voyager”, “Adventure Travels”, “The Traveller”, “Explore”, and “Getaway”.  The pageant has also helped in establishing strong international relations with Japan.  This is the period when Japanese employees were reinforced with travel incentives.  Through the promotions of Miss Cebu Tourism, Cebu became one of the destinations for the Japanese’ travel incentives; and this paved way for direct flights to Cebu from Narita and from Osaka.

Miss Cebu Tourism also paved way for direct flights from Hong Kong; and also from Singapore.  Miss Cebu Tourism winners promoted Cebu’s landmarks, culture, arts, and crafts through a series of fashion shows and cultural trade and events in Singapore that stirred the interest of the tourists and investors alike.  Hence, Cebu City also became a venue of trade and commerce with Singapore in the mid-1980’s.

Furniture and Accessories Designer and Businesswoman, Miss Janice Banez-Minor is Miss Cebu Tourism 1984. The first to win the title and the crown.

In 2001, Miss Cebu Tourism evolved to Miss Cebu with the aim of promoting not only our tourism but also the city’s economic strengths, making Cebu as the new business hub in Asia.  From the years 2001 to 2016, Miss Cebu queens have successfully put Cebu on the globe as an industrial, trade, and tourism leader in the Southeast Asian region.  The pageant showcased the best of Cebu that intrigued numerous tourists, investors, and even global leaders to visit this small but bustling metropolis.

Miss Cebu… Now!

In the past decade, Miss Cebu also became a platform for the candidates to be the voice for the voiceless.  Candidates do not only promote Cebu; the pageant also became a stage to discuss current events and promote advocacies in uplifting the lives of Cebuanos; to ensure their welfare, to promote equality, and to implement social policies.  Through the years, Miss Cebu has elevated the standards of beauty pageants in the country and is even admired by international pageant enthusiasts.  It has gathered a pool of ladies with intellect, integrity, and with substance to lead the Cebuanos to a new era of empowered women and with a more inclusive society.  Miss Cebu has redefined the essence of femininity with the sense of style and leadership.  Because of this, Miss Cebu has produced women who are leaders in their fields; from lawyers, doctors, public servants, tourism directors, industry managers, entrepreneurs, and even business leaders.

Miss Cebu 2014 winners with Cebu City Acting Mayor, Hon. Michael Rama.  Miss Cebu 2014 was Miss Cheriemil Diane Muego.  Photos grabbed from Kit Bajar Photography.

In 2019 up to the present, the corona virus pandemic has impacted all the economic sectors in Cebu, from the tourism industry to real estate, arts, fashion, manufacturing, business process outsourcing, food, travel, and retail industries.  It is high time that Cebu must stand again on its feet and bring back its glory.  Thus, the intense clamor to bring back Miss Cebu.  Miss Cebu is no longer a mere beauty pageant; it is a wheel of development and a catalyst of economic advancement through its promotions of what the Queen City of the South can offer to the world.  In the past, Miss Cebu winners and candidates worked tirelessly as our ambassadors and brought us to a dawn of progress, and they shall do the same in this most challenging time.

Who really is Miss Cebu?         

Merce Abellana (Miss Cebu’s Five Prettiest 1986-1987) with daughter Raine Baljak (Miss Cebu 2016).  Photo grabbed from Oro Galleria.

          The year 2022 is the rebirth of Miss Cebu.  Miss Cebu’s candidates shall represent not only the tourism and the economy of the city; but they shall bring to the world our pride from the city’s crystal coastlines, lush hills, world-class urban living, deep history and rich heritage, exquisite delicacies, ecstatic festivals, thriving industries, skilled craftsmen, and esthetic arts; making Cebu as a UNESCO City of Designs.  Our candidates shall be forward-thinking and strong-willed leaders who are empathic to the needs of her fellow Cebuanos, motivating the younger generation.  And our Miss Cebu candidates will instill pride amongst Cebuanos with our roots and our identity as descendants of Rajah Daya, Datu Humabon, and Hari Lapu-Lapu; making us proud as people with unparalleled civilization enriched by colorful cultures and unequalled artistry.  This shall be a quest not only for the most beautiful Cebuana, but a search for Cebuanas who can support and promote sustainable livelihood and lifestyle; and finally, to raise the bar higher for pageantry by producing women that can shape a society, that can bring the world to Cebu, and that can redefine the meaning of women empowerment.

So, who is really Miss Cebu?  It can be you.  The search for Miss Cebu 2022 is now on-going.  If you believe that you are the woman that Cebu City needs, then please, present yourself and take the Cebuanos with you to a future of certainties, progress, and peace.

Intimate Venues for Intimate Weddings (Part 1)

Almost every city is on lockdown and the people are being quarantined; plus, gatherings are discouraged or may be limited to family members only, can we still exchange “I Do’s” and make beautiful and memorable weddings to cherish for a lifetime?

The new normal has made us appreciate intimate gatherings and cherish even the smallest of gatherings.  If there is any good that this pandemic has brought us, it is to be grateful for what we have, and to make every moment with our family matters.  Thus, any good news during this most challenging time is worth celebrating.  And what can be better of a news if not for two people deciding to tie the knot?

Here are my suggestions to your unique and intimate wedding venues.

1. SERMON ON THE MOUNT

Situated in the highlands of Busay and Balamban, this private home built on a cliff is just perfect for an afternoon wedding.  The lanai welcomes guests to a spectacular view of the hills; and the rustic theme of the house sets the romantic mood.  Plus, who cannot fall in love to the landscape of various flora and fauna that surrounds this abode?  Sermon on the Mount is just lovely.

Picture grabbed from Sermon on the Mount Retreat Resort: A Relaxing Escape to Balamban (sugbo.ph)

Check out Sermon on the Mount Facebook page.  To rate this venue:

Accommodation           ★★★★

Privacy                            ★★★★

Security                          ★★★

Safety Protocols            ★★★★

Romantic Ambiance    ★★★★★

View                                ★★★★★

Value for Money           ★★★★

Altar set-up for a wedding ceremony at Sermon on the Mount.  Photo by:  Camille Fonte-Pojoyo

Dining Table set-up for a wedding at Sermon on the Mount.  Photo by Camille Fonte-Pajoyo

2. Halla Cat Yacht Cruises

Halla Cat yacht cruises operate from the Mactan Wharf in Lapu Lapu City, Cebu.  The company has two catamaran yachts:  a medium size to accommodate 30-35 guests, and a larger catamaran that can accommodate 50-60 guests.  They also serve two packages:  a 7-hour island hopping package with lunch, or a 4-hour sunset cruise as the Mactan Channel.  The yacht has an airconditioned dining hall, an upper deck al fresco dining space, and a bedroom where brides can retouch their make-up and change from their wedding gowns to their sleek reception dresses.

The Bridge of the Halla Cat Yacht. (Photo grabbed from Halla Cat’s Facebook page)

Check out Halla Cat Yacht Cruises at this page:  HALLA CAT | Facebook.  To rate this venue:

Accommodation           ★★

Privacy                            ★★★★

Security                          ★★★

Safety Protocols            ★★★

Romantic Ambiance    ★★★★★

View                                ★★★★★

Value for Money           ★★★

Wedding photo of Darrell John Fonte and Jonah Abella-Fonte on Halla Cat cruise with a view of the CCLEX and SM Seaside in SRP.

Wedding photo of Darrell John Fonte and Jonah Abella-Fonte on Halla Cat cruise with a sunset view of Cebu City’s Skyscrapers.

Plantation Bay’s Bakeshop by the Beach Flavored Croissants and Brownies are served as desserts on a wedding sunset cruise in Halla Cat.

3. Purita Farms Vacation House

Situated in the heart of San Remigio, Cebu, what started as an exclusive family farm of the late Judge Romulo Senining and his wife Madam Purita Senining, is now a go-to-venue for intimate family gatherings and events.  The farm is a Mango orchard that stretches to about 4 hectares of land, with adjoined two large hexagonal cottages in the middle overseeing the mystical views of the mango trees.  The Vacation house has 5 bedrooms, a large kitchen, open space living area, a medium sized pool and vast view of nature.    To locate the Purita Farms Vacation House, ask the locals for “manggahan”.  The farm is known to the locals of San Remigio by that name.

Bird’s eyeview of the Villas and Pool of Purita Farms Vacation House (Photo grabbed from Purita Farms Vacation House facebook page).

Check out Purita Farms Vacation House in facebook. To rate this venue:

Accommodation           ★★

Privacy                            ★★★★

Security                          ★★★★

Safety Protocols            ★★

Romantic Ambiance    ★★★★★

View                                ★★★★★

Value for Money           ★★★

Rey and Carrie Senining’s 25th wedding anniversary and renewal of vows at the Purita Farm Vacation House.

Elegant dining set-up styled by Brian Aloquin and Tito Zamora for a wedding in Purita Farms Vacation House.

Forever at Soltana

by Allain Dumon Fonte

Soltana Nature Residences host the grandest wedding destination expo for 2021. In their grandiose Events at Soltana venue, wedding suppliers, event coordinators, events stylists, fashion designers, and exhibitors gathered to showcase their best to excited couples and clients.  The grand expo was opened by the Chairperson of Lapu Lapu City’s Tourism Commission and first lady of this historic resort city, Madam Cynthia Cindy King Chan; she was with city counselor, Hon.  Queenie Malingin Amman; Taft Properties COO and Vice President, Myra Lynn Gilig; Taft Properties CFO, Feliz Tiukenhoy; and Mr. Justin Gaisano of Taft Properties. 

Philip Rodriguez

To set the event’s mood, AD models Kevin Lahousse and Gingie Alducente acted as newlyweds joining the expo and leading the guests to the exhibitors’ booths.  Yet, the highlight of the event was the glamorous fashion show set in the world’s most visited wedding destinations, as the mannequins of AD models paraded the haute couture creations of Cebu’s A-list fashion designers.

Dexter Alazas

The show was opened by Miss Earth 2008, Karla Henry-Amman, wearing a bridal gown designed by Hanz Coquilla.  Her wedding mood was the historic streets and sceneries of Vigan, Philippines.  Coquilla created a Filipiniana-inspired bridal dress with perfectly constructed butterfly sleeves, exquisitely clean lines, and masterfully crafted bias skirt of balanced cones and flows.  Valerie Alvez showcased a bridal dress made of vintage Chantilly lace.  Alvez proved her skills in manipulating laces to be impeccable; the bow detail at the back added glamour to the dress, exuding luxury to the bride wearing Alvez’s masterpiece.  Wendell Quisido set her wedding theme to the dreamy beaches of Ipanema; and as her model glided on the runway, everyone in the audience dropped their jaws to the intricately detailed bridal dress that Quisido made. Quisido designed a bustier dress with well-balanced panels that wonderfully fitted the model’s figure; but what made Quisido’s dress jaw-dropping are the countless Swarovski crystals that covered the dress.  Dexter Alazas joined the fashion show with a 1920’s inspired wedding dress of vintage tulle and embroidered in the decade’s popular baroque patterns.  Alazas has shown the wonders of working with delicate fabrics and the opulence of vintage embroidery patterns.

Wendell Quisido

Valerie Alvez

The fashions show also brought us to the rich sceneries of Mallorca, Spain with Ren Manabat’s three-tiered wedding dress.  The labor-intensive layers upon layers of soft English tulle made Manabat’s artwork stand out, among others.  Another head turner is a dress that was carefully planned and architecturally constructed, the bridal gown designed by Protacio.  Protacio has obviously studied well which fabrics to use and how each fabric is sewn to the other to create an illusion of nudeness under layers of vintage Italian mesh. The dress was architecturally constructed like the Burj Khalifa where every piece sits perfectly with each other in harmony and balance.  Fashion connoisseur Marichu Tan-Geson created an extremely detailed bodice lined with Swarovski crystals, and a skirt made from layers of dotted soft English tulle.  Tan-Geson’s manipulation techniques on the soft tulle and how she delicately draped every layer of the tulle upon the other is interesting and intriguing.  With a work of art as beautiful as that, I could say that Tan-Geson is the Madame Gres of Cebu fashion.  The show ended with a groom and a bride wearing a 19th century English-inspired wedding ensemble by master couturier, Philip Rodriguez.  Rodriguez has proven once again his artistry and expertise in fashion by creating an empire-waist gown with ruffled sleeves made from dotted Italian mesh of 100% silk and vintage silk taffeta.  Rodriguez presented a truly elegant wedding dress; lesser on the intricacy but more on the richness of the materials being used.  The rarity of Rodriguez’s fabrics already makes his dress worthy to a MET gala exhibition. 

Ren Manabat

Protacio Empaces

Philip Rodriguez

The models wore the timeless and recherche jewelry collections from Royal Gem to match the bridal dresses of the featured designers.  Every jewelry piece is made to complement a woman who loves fashion and whose self-awareness dictates her own style.  From green sapphires to yellow diamonds, every jewelry piece is stunning.  No wonder why socialite and fashion icon, Heart Evangelista, loves and promotes Royal Gem. All models are wearing Shandar bridal footwear.

Philip Rodriguez

Marichu Tan-Geson

Hanz Coquilla

The Grand Wedding Destination Expo at the Events at Soltana will run until the 24th of May 2021 with exciting activities:  a maquillage session with Jessie Glova, a bridal make-up competition and show, a financial literacy session for new couples, a talk on real estate investments, a session  with Rod Bautista and Eddie Jamin from the Centerpiece Weddings and Events about wedding destinations in Cebu and the new norms in wedding celebrations, and a whole lot more of raffle prizes from Plantation Bar Resort and Spa, Solea Mactan Resort, Savoy Hotel Mactan, and others.