A 23-year-old ESL (English as Second Language) teacher, Steffi Rose Aberasturi of Mandaue City, was crowned Binibining Cebu 2018. The Coronation Night was held Friday, Oct. 19 at the Pacific Grand Ballroom of Waterfront Cebu City Hotel and Casino.
Fifty-three stunning candidates started the Coronation Night with a spectacular dance performance donned in red dresses by renowned designer Cary Santiago. Miss Earth 2008 Karla Henry and celebrity KC Montero hosted the grand pageant. The candidates were then trimmed down to the Top 25 based on the pre-pageant event—the long gown and swimwear competition—that transpired at The Tent at Mandani Bay last Sept. 26.
Several special awards were given to outstanding candidates. The Sun People’s Choice Award went to Bb. Dalaguete Princess Bajamonde. Miss Photogenic was Bb. Madridejos Tracy Maureen Perez. Awarded Miss Congeniality was Bb. Carcar City Vanessa Ammann. Best in Production Number was Bb. Aloguinsan Angeli Navarro, and the recipients of the Bb. Cebu SHS Batch 1985 Foundation Inc. title were Bb. Oslob Rubby Verano and Bb. Balamban Alaia Doverte.
The Top 25 took over the runway wearing one-piece masterpieces by Solti Activewear. After this, the candidates wore Cary Santiago’s glamorous evening gowns, as they paraded on the stage with poise and confidence.
The audience couldn’t hide their excitement when the Top 12 was announced: Bb. Ginatilan Sharon Grace Angel, Bb. Minglanilla Kristine Gillamac, Bb. Cebu City North Dianne Padillo, Bb. Ronda Lou Piczon, Bb. Bogo City Mariah Lequin, Bb. Alegria Kimberly Covert, Bb. Mandaue City Steffi Aberasturi, Bb. Naga City Ivy Tapic, Bb. Borbon Isabela Deutsch, Bb. Medellin Sheena Balansag, Bb. San Francisco Princess Paraiso and Bb. Madridejos Tracy Maureen Perez.
This year’s Top 12 had to undergo the final Q&A portion with a twist. Instead of one question, two were asked of each candidate: “What makes you blush?” and “What quality of a Bb. Cebuana is most important to you, and how can you use it to make Cebu a better place?”
For the first question, Aberasturi replied that her boyfriend makes her blush every time she sees him, reminding her of “love at first sight.” For the second question, she said that she believes that the best quality of a Cebuana is being compassionate.
“I came here in Binibining Cebu believing that I can make a big difference not only in my life but to the lives of the millions of people out there. I can make a difference through touching them, inspiring them and generating love,” she said.
Before announcing the night’s big winners, the reigning Bb. Cebu 2017 Apriel Smith had her farewell walk together with her court Bb. Cebu Charity 2017 Maria Gigante and Bb. Cebu Tourism 2017 Samantha Lo.
Aberasturi confessed that it was really challenging and tough knowing that she was competing with national placers. She plans to just rest after the pageant and eventually continue her plans to promote her advocacy “There is Life in Weaving.” She dedicated her win to all the Cebuanos for all the support and love.
“I’m really happy. I prayed so hard for this. I’m thankful that God has given me this gift,” she added.
The other winners were Binibining Cebu Charity 2018 Bb. Madridejos Tracy Maureen Perez, Binibining Cebu Tourism 2018 Bb. Alegria Kimberly Covert, and new this year, Binibining Cebu Ecology 2018 Bb. Borbon Isabela Deutsch and Binibining Cebu Heritage 2018 Bb. Ronda Lou Piczon.
Binibining Cebu 2018 will take home P500,000 in cash and P300,000 worth of prizes in kind. Binibining Cebu Tourism 2018 will receive P300,000 in cash and P100,000 worth of prizes in kind. Binibining Cebu Charity will receive P200,000 in cash and P50,000 worth of prizes in kind. The first runner-up will receive P100,000 while the second runner-up will receive P75,000.