Binibining Cebu crowns its first queen
Binibining Cebu 2017 Apriel Smith (Bb. Badian) is congratulated by second runner-up Kathleen Mae Lendio (Bb. Danao), Binibining Cebu Tourism Samantha Ashley Lo (Bb. Asturias), Binibining Cebu Charity Maria Gigante (Bb. Bantayan) and first runner-up Ingrid Elizabeth Gerodias. Photo by RRP
Cebu City - True to its name, The Queen City of Cebu crowns its first ever Binibining Cebu 2017 held at the Waterfront Hotels and Casino on Saturday, October 28, 2017.
With over 54 competing candidates from different municipalities, Apriel Smith of Badian, got the most coveted title Binibining Cebu 2017 while Samantha Lo of Asturias was proclaimed Binibining Cebu Tourism and Maria Gigante of Bantayan was hailed as Binibining Cebu Charity. Runner ups were Ingrid Gerodias of Mingladilla and Kathleen Lendio of Danao, who finished first and second runners up, respectively.
Apriel Smith with her winning answer. Photo by RRP
Top 5 candidates were asked, “What important lesson should millennials learn?”
Smith winning answer was, “There is only one thing I can share to you: the man of my life has passed away whom I call my father,” the five-foot-seven model started. “His peaceful goodbye changed my perspective of life, which I can call the values and time. Because we cannot take time and time is gold. And I know that when you have time with your family, cherish and embrace it, especially the younger ones. Because we never know when our time is up. And that will be a very important lesson to all the millennials – this value which is time.”
The pageant was a full blast show with a spectacular production directed by pageant director Victor Hao Cuenco, stage design by the world-renowned furniture designer Kenneth Cobonpue, and the famous designer Cary Santiago who designed the evening gowns and the crowns for the pageant.
James Reid as she serenades the Binibining Cebu Candidates. Photo by RRP
Surprise performance from Richard Yap rendered songs to the ladies during the evening gown competition. Photo by RRP
Performers added to the excitement of the show such as James Reid, Richard Yap, Hey Joe Show, Don Juan, Zsari Vidal, Pintaflores Dance Company, Josh Marquia, Next Stage Band, Dj Gio with Joefre Capangpangan and Marc Mercado.
Members of the board of judges. Photo by RRP
The panel of judges includes Chief Content Officer, Charo Santos Concio; Editor-in-Chief of Philippine Tatler, Anton San Diego; Chairman of the Board of Directors of MECO, Angelito Banayo; Consultant in the Office of the President of San Miguel Corporations, Rolly Macasaet; Miss Earth 2016, Katherine Espin; President of Miss Asia-Pacific International, Jacqueline Tan Sains; President and Chief Operating Officer of Robinsons Land, Frederick Go.
The pageant was hosted by the father and son tandem Edu and Luis Manzano together with Ms. Earth 2008 Karla Henry. Photo by RRP
Binibining Cebu seeks to provide a platform for the extraordinary Cebuanas to promote Cebu’s special cultural contributions to the world. It aims to provide an ambassadress who exemplifies today’s modern Cebuana, and in the process promote the beauty, legacy, culture and commerce of thee 44 towns and 9 cities of Cebu.
Apriel Smith during her final look. Photo by RRP
Binibining Cebu 2017 is presented by the BB. Sugbu Charity Foundation, Inc. in cooperation with the Sacred Heart School for Boys Batch 1985 Foundation, Inc., Yahoo! Philippines, and Xionwei Technology and supported by Dong Juan.
