SIXTEEN contestants vying for the title of Sinulog Festival Queen 2019 were dressed in colorful costumes and danced to the Sinulog beat during the Festival Costumes and Runway Competition held Thursday, Jan. 17 at The Northwing Atrium. SM City Cebu.
That night, three candidates stood out, each winning two awards.
Candidate Number 13, Nicole Yance Borromeo representing the City of Carcar, won the grand prize “Best in Runway” and “Miss Philippine Airlines.” The 18-year-old beauty, one of the crowd favorites, shared that her preparation for the competition, apart from exercise, was giving it her all for Sto. Niño.
“He is with me in this. I felt so good. I just went with the beat,” said Borromeo about her performance on the runway. “I had to remind myself that this isn’t for me. It’s for God. It’s an offering.”
Candidate Number 6, Phoebe T. Godinez representing Talisay City Division, won “Best in Runway first runner-up” and “Miss Magnolia Pambansang Manok.” The latter is an award for the lady for personifying the characteristics of the Magnolia Chicken brand, exemplifying the traits of being caring, resourceful, trustworthy, happy and full of life. Godinez wore an elaborate blue-hued costume by Malayka Yamas.
“We were going for something nice, simple and blue. The color may represent sadness but it also represents fluidity,” said Godinez.
Representing Tribu Higaonon sa San Nicolas Proper is candidate Number 9, Chloe Boton Boone, who won “Best in Runway second runner-up” and this year’s “Miss SM Sinulog Queen.”
The contestants that night were judged with the following criteria: 50 percent for beauty and figure, and 50 percent for projection, costume, gracefulness and over-all performance.