A 24-YEAR-OLD registered nutritionist-dietitian, Junichi Yabushita representing Mactan, Lapu-Lapu City was crowned “Ginoong Cebu 2018.” The Coronation Night was held last Saturday, Dec. 15 at the Cebu Coliseum.
The event started with a festival dance by the Sugboanon Dance Troup, followed by the presentation of the 28 candidates. The gentlemen then rocked the stage with their colorful and creative festival costumes representing their cities and municipalities, while accompanied by festive live tribal music.
During the final Question and Answer portion, the Top 8 were asked: “Who is ‘Ginoong Cebu’?”
Yabushita defined “Ginoong Cebu” as a person who possesses a sense of responsibility, bravery and honesty. Together with him in his court were Ginoong Asturias Delio Roco Duja, crowned “Ginoong Rajah,” and Ginoong Cebu City Mark Guerra as “Ginoong Lakandula.”
“It was all new to me again, learning from scratch again from the start. I just really did my best and wished the judges would see that. And they did! So I’m very thankful,” said Yabushita, who explained that it has been two years since he last joined a pageant.
The Top 8 were Mikhail Godornes of Toledo City, Delio Roco Duja of Asturias, Ram Termulo of Badian, Mark Guerra of Cebu City, Dexter Tundag of Liloan, Kim Joshua Cañedo of Minglanilla, Junichi Yabushita of Mactan, Lapu-Lapu City, and Edbert Duhaylungsod of Compostela.
Ginoong Dalaguete captured the attention of the judges with his vegetable-themed costume and was awarded as “Best in Festival Costume.” During the Swimwear competition, the lads showcased their bods in swimwear designed by Noel Inez. Ginoong Pinamungajan was chosen as “Best in Swimwear.” Ginoong Mactan was chosen as “Best in Barong Tagalog.” Three candidates were also chosen to represent Cebu for “Man of the Globe Philippines”—Ginoong Asturias, Ginoong Compostela and Ginoong Carmen.
Several minor awards were given to distinguished candidates: “Best in Christmas-theme Wear” went to Ginoong Mactan, “Mr. Photogenic” was Ginoong Toledo City, “Mr. Congeniality” was Ginoong Pinamungajan, “Best in Production Number” was Ginoong San Fernando, “Texters Choice Awards” went to Ginoong Moalboal, “Social Media Choice Award” went to Ginoong San Remegio, and “People’s Choice Award” went to Ginoong Minglanilla. Various corporate awards were also given to outstanding candidates in different categories.