Amid the cheer and applause, five finalists stepped forward to answer the defining question for Miss Cebu 2025: “What values should Miss Cebu possess and why?”
Poise met purpose as they articulated qualities they believed embodied the city’s soul. In the end, it was candidate #6, Christine Escanilla, whose consistent performance earned her the Miss Cebu 2025 crown.
“As a Miss Cebu, these qualities should be embodied. First is to be ‘espirituhanon,’ second is to be ‘lumadnon,’ and lastly, is to be a ‘garbo.’ To be a ‘lumadnon’ is to be with your family, to be with your community and that is something that is innate with us Filipinos — with us Cebuanos, rather — because we are so close to our family. To be a ‘garbo’ is celebrating our festivities because that is what’s closest to our heart. Lastly, it is to be what we are as humans because, as Cebuanos, I know we are rich in culture and history. After all, Cebu is not just an island, but it is a place with lasting memories.” This was Christine’s winning answer that earned her the title of Miss Cebu 2025 and made her the newest ambassadress of Cebu’s vision and future.
The 21-year-old titleholder bested 11 other contestants during the coronation night, also winning Best in Evening Gown, designed by Valerie Alvez, and Best in Sustainable Fashion, by Omoda. With Miss Cebu 2025’s values centered on sustainability and conservation, Christine truly has what it takes to lead the next generation of Cebuanas.
Among the crowd favorites, Kiara Liane Wellington charmed her way to win Miss Friendship (Waterfront) and she also claimed corporate awards as Miss Charity Bingo Plus and Miss Oro Galleria. Angela Magienda Aumonier took home the Miss Photogenic by Macy’s Camera Shop award. Meanwhile, Cestine Aury Fenix stole the show with her striking presence in the Best in Urban Cebu Wear category, further elevating the designer who brought her look to life by winning Best Urban Cebu Wear Designer (Hanz Coquilla). Kiara’s evening gown designer Wendell Quisido took home the Best in Evening Gown Designer award.
Taking a bold step in the competition, Irene Kyle Salutan won Best in Content Creation for her insightful story about Barangay Pasil, Cebu City. Through her lens, she invited the audience to rethink stereotypes and see the area in a new light.
After two impressive runways, a spotlight moment where each contestant was given a highlight word to shape their answer, and one final round of questions, the winners of Miss Cebu 2025 were revealed. Escanilla emerged as the coveted titleholder, securing her place as Miss Cebu 2025. The competition was fierce, with Aumonier (Candidate #8) taking the title of 1st runner-up, followed by Maijezel D. Sarcol (Candidate #9) in 2nd Runner-Up. Tatiana Shantal A. Benedetti (Candidate #11) claimed 3rd runner-up, while Wellington (Candidate #4) rounded out the top five as 4th runner-up.