Mariel Bogert triumphs as Sinulog Festival Queen 2024
For almost two weeks, Mariel Bogert had been rehearsing a dance routine for Sinulog Festival Queen 2024 as the lead dancer of Canlaon City, Negros Oriental’s Tribu Kang-laon. Hailing from Carcar City, her scheduled sea trip to Negros Oriental to practice with the troupe was cancelled due to inclement weather. When the choreographers from Canlaon arrived in Cebu two days before this year’s Sinulog Festival Queen finals, Bogert was told she had the wrong steps.
“So everything got changed, and I only learned my group dance the other day. There were actually parts in my group dance that I just free-styled,” Bogert told reporters postcoronation, Friday, January 19, at the Cebu City Sports Center.
Still, the 18-yearold who calls herself “not a good dancer, but is into singing”, was hailed not only successor to 2023’s Kiara Liane Wellington, but also Best in Group Performance – despite the adlibs.
“I feel very overwhelmed. I know that I did my best,” said Bogert. “All I can say is, thank you Sr. Sto. Niño.”
Bogert, born to a Filipino mother and Dutch-German father, had made headlines last year when she was announced Pasigarbo sa Sugbo Festival Queen 2023 (representing Cordova’s Dinagat Festival), replacing Jhesidy Thea Alberca of Carcar City’s Kabkaban Festival after a recomputation of results.
She credited the back-to-back victory to “hard work” and a village of supporters.
“I know that I wouldn’t make it here without all those who helped me…the guidance of Sir Rabie [Pogoy] and my mother, my sister, everyone in my family…I know I’m uglycrying right now, but this is how I truly feel,” said Bogert.
“I’m just really happy, because this is the dream of my mom, who had been pushing me to join something like this. My father too who is very supportive, no complaints whatsoever.”
Bogert also thanked her professors at the University of San Carlos, where she is studying Nutrition and Dietetics, who told her to focus on the competition and not worry about the first few weeks of school.
Apart from the title, she romped off with numerous awards, namely, Miss 2GO, Miss Sunlight Air, Miss PLDT, Miss
Ginebra San Miguel Inc., Best in Festival Costume (by designer Richardson “Sonny” Nemenzo Apayla), Best in Musicality for her group, Miss BingoPlus, Confident Award by Dr. Wong’s Lightening System, Miss Mang Inasal, and Dexcom Game-Changer Award.
During the Runway Competition held Jan. 15 at the Mountain Wing Atrium of SM Seaside City, she was also picked Miss “AweSM” Sinulog Festival Queen 2024 by SM Malls.
Bogert continues the winning streak of beauties from Shutter Models & Talent Management, after recent victories of Miss Cebu 2024 Zoe Cameron and Miss Teen Cebu City 2023 Caitlin Larrazabal Arias Martinez.
Sinulog Festival Queen 2024 first runner-up is Mary Love Lopez of Barangay Guadalupe’s Banauan Cultural Group, who was also selected Best Solo Performer and Best in Runway. She was likewise a sponsor favorite, winning Miss Philippine Airlines, Winzer’s Elegance Ambassadress, Miss Nustar Sports Max, Miss Manila Bankers’ Insurance, Miss Cebu Landmaster’s, Miss Beauty Vault, Miss Magnolia Chicken Timplados, and RLC Residences Property Specialist Award.
Second runner-up Niña Blythe Boniel of Brgy. Sapangdaku is also Miss Photogenic and Miss DIY Sinulog Queen.
Third runner-up Jashley Van Hemelen of Lumad Basakanon took home the awards Miss Dasurv sa Kagwapahan by KFC, Miss TDCX, and Garnier Fresh Face of Sinulog.
Fourth runner-up Frenchie Monina Ramos of Brgy. Inayawan’s Inayawan Talents Guild and Cultural Dance Troupe also nabbed the awards Miss Listo Ganado by BMEG and Miss Speaks G.
Other awardees were Mary Ellen Hauschildt (Brgy. San Nicolas Proper) as Miss McDonald’s, Miss MyTV, Miss Friendship, and Miss Skin Magical; and Jenny Mondigo (Abellana National High School) as Miss Coca-Cola.