DONNING many hats is 26-year-old Katherine Jumapao. She’s a career woman, a triathlete and academic as she is currently taking her masters in Business Administration at the University of San Carlos, the same school where she took up Business Administration major in Marketing Management.
Add title holder to the list as this Liloan beauty won Miss AAA Renaissance Cebuana 2018, besting 14 other hopefuls hailing from different parts of Cebu province.
Showcasing the Cebuana’s talent, strength and multi-faceted skills, this pageant highlights women empowerment and the rights of women. Contestants had to go through three stages of selection: Athletic—through the Cebuana Sports Marathon where Katherine finished sixth; Academic—in the form of a quiz bee; and last, Artistic—wherein the contestants showed their talents during the coronation night held at the Cebu Provincial Capitol Social Hall last Aug. 31.
Setting her sights on career and travel, get to know the first-ever crowned Miss AAA Renaissance Cebuana and the role that comes with the title.
SunStar LIVE: Congra-tulations on winning Miss AAA Renaissance Cebuana 2018. How does it feel winning the title? What makes this pageant different from the others you’ve been a part of?
Katherine: I feel very overwhelmed winning the first ever AAA Renaissance Cebuana title. It is the most challenging pageant for me because it tests the candidates’ skills on athletics, academics and being artistic. It is one of a kind.
SunStar LIVE: How did you prepare for the competition?
Katherine: It was very timely that the duration of the pageant was the same as my Ironman training. I was physically fit and I had my friends coach me preparing for the Q&A portion.
SunStar LIVE: What does it mean to be Miss AAA Renaissance Cebuana 2018 as with the title come the duties?
Katherine: I am now the ambassadress of the Provincial Women’s Commission. This aims to promote women empowerment. I will be representing Cebu in functions that require representatives for women. Like seminars, conventions etc. But personally, I will also promote my advocacy which is education through sports. I am working closely with the grassroots program organizers of the Capitol for this cause.
SunStar LIVE: What do you think set you apart from the candidates?
Katherine: I think that my exposure in the community and my passion for sports and music made me step up.
SunStar LIVE: How long have you been joining pageants? What inspired you to do so?
Katherine: Not too long. I was not a pageant kind of girl. I’m the sporty type. I’d rather wear sneakers than heels. My mother inspired me to join. She was part of the first batch of Miss Cebu in 1984.
SunStar LIVE: As a real estate broker, how did you manage to juggle both work and the world of pageantry?
Katherine: I am also the business development officer (sales) of Intellicare. I make sure to maximize my time every day. Work, workout, attend functions and spending time with friends and family. I am a people person.
SunStar LIVE: What advice would you impart to those who wish to join the next Miss AAA Renaissance Cebuana or any other pageant?
Katherine: Start running, reading and rehearsing.