Bb. Cebu opens pageant to single moms
Two single mothers will be among those vying for the Binibining Cebu 2018 crown, after the organization behind the pageant decided to widen its net in a bid to “foster opportunities and remove obstacles for women.”
Binibining Sugbu Charity Foundation, Inc. Executive Assistant Natasha Manuel – a semi-finalist in the pageant’s maiden edition representing Sta. Fe – confirmed to The Freeman the inclusion of two single moms among Binibining Cebu 2018’s official candidates.
Screening has been extended to complete their target of 54 representatives of Cebu’s 44 municipalities, eight cities, Cebu City North and Cebu City South.
“The Binibining Cebu screening committee accepts single mothers who meet all the qualifications of the pageant,” the Binibining Cebu organizers, composed of Cary Santiago, Kenneth Cobonpue, Kenneth Lim, Raymond Tio, among others, began in a statement.
The pageant, now on its second year, has these qualifications: naturally born female, 5’4” and above in height when barefoot, between 17-26 years old on or before coronation night, and must have sufficient knowledge of the historic events, festivals, products, tourist spots, and other information of the place she is representing.
“We believe that conceiving, bearing and raising a child is an empowering process that allows a woman to exercise her moral authority, choice and freedom,” the statement further said.
“By taking on the responsibility of singlehandedly raising a child by choice or circumstance, and despite the stigma and hardships associated with being unwed, a woman sets an example of courage, strength and resolve.”
“Binibining Cebu believes in fostering opportunities and removing obstacles for women. It is the biggest platform in the country for women of diverse backgrounds to share their ideals, values and experiences while promoting the beauty of Cebu. Just like encouraging the use of the vernacular, also a first among pageants, Binibining Cebu will defy norms in its quest to promote Cebuano culture, social responsibility and women empowerment.”
The pageant, organized by Binibining Sugbu Charity Foundation, Inc. and the Sacred Heart School for Boys Batch (SHS-B) 1985 Foundation, Inc., is not the first beauty tilt for unmarried women in the Philippines that accepts single moms. Just last August 4, Miss Global Philippines 2018 crowned single mom Mary Eileen Gonzales.
Returnees, fresh faces
At the August 4 screening held at the Binibining Cebu office at The Greenery, Pope John Paul II Avenue in Mabolo, 60 applicants came to screen, while 25 more are expected to apply this week, Manuel said.
Among those spotted by The Freeman were returning candidates Tracy Maureen Perez (Miss Cebu 2016 first runner-up) and Lou Dominique Piczon (Miss Mandaue 2014). Perez represented her hometown of Argao last year, but is set to represent Madridejos this time around. Piczon, last year’s Binibining Dalaguete, is still waiting for her assigned city/municipality.
Other official candidates seen at the Saturday screening were Marie Fe Loayon for San Remigio, Ivy Marie Esparcia for Samboan, Augustina Odever for Alcantara, and Allison Lo for Asturias. Lo is the younger sister of reigning Bb. Cebu Tourism Samantha Lo, who also represented Asturias.
Steffi Rose Pearson Aberasturi (Sinulog Festival Queen 2011, Miss Campus Femme 2012, Miss CESAFI 2013 first runner-up, Miss Mandaue 2013 and Reyna ng Aliwan 2014) is reportedly Mandaue City’s candidate, while Miss Philippines Water 2014 Kim Covert of Dumaguete City is set to be Alegria’s bet.
Miss Cebu 2016 finalist Natasha Rosales, Miss Ormoc 2018 first runner-up Princess Paraiso and Miss Bikini Philippines 2017 finalist Shaznay Corres were also among the applicants.
Binibining Cebu 2018 will officially begin on August 24 with the presentation of candidates at SM Seaside City Cebu. It will be followed by the Philippine Terno Competition on September 7 at SM Seaside City Cebu, the Swimsuit Competition on September 28 at the Cebu Grand Convention Center and finally, the Coronation Night on October 26 at the Waterfront Cebu City Hotel and Casino.