Team Cebu dominates at Junior Idol World Philippines 2024
The tween and teen candidates from Cebu emerged victorious at Junior Idol World Philippines 2024 as they bagged titles during the pageant’s finals held Sunday, February 25, in Manila. Set to represent the Philippines at the Junior Idol World competition on January 2025 are Little Miss Junior Idol World Philippines 2024 Nikolah Jayne Lavadia, and Miss Pre-Teen Junior Idol World Philippines 2024 Nikoea Marie Whittaker who are both from Cebu Province.
Also named winners were Cebu City’s Jairus Fred Balucas as Mister Teen Junior Idol World Philippines, and Talisay City’s Shaiya Oisha Diwa as Miss Teen Junior Idol World Philippines.
“It still feels surreal that I was crowned as a [Little Miss Junior Idol] grand winner and I am thankful for everyone for supporting me and to Sto. Nino for guiding me with my life,” Lavadia, 12, told The FREEMAN a day after the finals. “I will apply this [title] to my life by continuing to be an inspiration to everyone.”
Balucas, the 16-year-old sole male candidate from the Cebu contingent, shared, “I feel grateful and honored to be crowned and it’s so surreal. This title is a step to many more [to come] and I am excited for my future.”
The rest of the winners are Cebu City’s Aranah Camiso Tuco, 15, as Miss Preteen Gorgeous Universe; Kelsey Niña Lopez, 11, as Little Miss Junior Idol first runner-up; Mandaue City’s Zharren Kate Colina, 12, as Little Miss Universe; Mandaue City’s Abba Nicole Comboy, 18, as Miss Teen Heritage Gem; Lapu-Lapu City’s Samantha Nicole Camero, 18, as Miss Teen Universe; and Lapu-Lapu City’s Jahmeica Athena Canonigo, 11, as Little Miss Gorgeous Universe.
Lavadia received numerous awards, including Darling of the Press, Best in Close Door Interview, Miss Photogenic, and Best in National Costume.
“My question at the close-door interview was about my advocacy, so I responded that my advocacy is promoting quality education to everyone regardless of social status because our education is our key to success and this will lead us to a brighter future,” said Lavadia.
“Even if I join a lot of beauty pageants, I still make sure to pay importance to my education so I encourage my peers to take education seriously. I also want them to learn how to respect their elders and treat them with kindness, especially our parents, because they are our guiding light to a brighter future.”
Balucas, who won the same awards as Lavadia including Mister Photogenic and Best in Close Door Interview, recalled that he was asked why he deserved a crown from Junior Idol World Philippines and how he would promote the organization.
“I responded that I deserve my crown because I will use it to inspire people my age to chase big goals and step up in a way that will also promote Junior Idol World,” he said.
Whittaker also took home Best in Talent and Best in Close Door Interview, while Diwa was named Best in Catwalk and Miss Queen of Hearts.
On the most challenging segment, Balucas said that the formal wear made him “nervous.”
“The awarding was going to take place soon, so I was anxious to know who would win,” he said, adding that the Q&A was his favorite as he could talk to the judges and hear their feedback.
“The most difficult part for me was the national costume [Reina Cebuana designed by Bjay Menguito] because the stage was a bit small and my dress couldn’t fit. When I was about to exit, I tripped, but the staff was able to guide me,” Lavadia shared.
“My favorite was the evening gown because the formal wear was what I have been waiting to ramp with and I liked my gown. I had this feeling that I was the most beautiful girl in the world when I wore that gown.”
While they still have several months to prepare for the tilt abroad, Lavadia is already looking forward to go back to the international stage after her stint at Kids Star International 2023 where she was the first runner-up in her category.
“I am so excited to be on the international stage again especially that we are going to Thailand. I miss my Thai milk tea!” she said. “I can promote the Philippines there through social media. If I ever step on the international stage once again, I will be loud and proud of my country.”