Miss Cebu 2016 Crowned

The Miss Cebu 2016 Coronation Night was held on the evening of January 13, 2016 at the Waterfront Cebu City Hotel. Gabriele Raine Baljak bested eleven other candidates for the crown. The radio DJ and TV host epitomized all the values of a true Cebuana.

Joining this year’s Miss Cebu are Tracy Maureen Perez, Shaila Mae Rebortera, Merl Gayo and Felina Joyce Lim, who were the 1st runner-up, 2nd runner-up, 3rd runner-up and 4th runner-up, respectively.

Gabriele Raine Baljak – image source: facebook.com/misscebupageant/

Aside from bagging the crown, Baljak was also awarded as the ABS-CBN Kapamilya Star of the Night and Best in Evening Gown. On the other hand, Miss Photogenic and Miss Friendship went to Felina Joyce Lim

Gabriele Raine Baljak – Best in Evening Gown – image source: facebook.com/misscebupageant/

The answer of Baljak to the question of how she can encourage Miss Universe Colombia Ariadna Gutierrez to take some time out to visit Cebu was cheered by the audience. She said she would tell Gutierrez that she should visit Cebu “where the heart sings.” She added that Cebuanos demonstrate genuine passion and they love to share and care for their people. While Miss Colombia is gorgeous, she had “too much confidence.” Baljak added that Miss Colombia will have the opportunity to enjoy the “simple things in life” since Cebuanos remain happy in any situation, which makes Cebu a place where the heart sings.

Felina Joyce Lim – Miss Friendship/Miss Photogenic – image source: facebook.com/misscebupageant/

Jun Escario, designer of Bea Clarisse Raboy, received the Best Evening Gown designer award by Christian Espiritu, famed fashion designer and chairman of the board.

Alpio Saban-designed “Kaugmaon” Miss Cebu 2016 crown – image source: facebook.com/misscebupageant/

Miss Cebu 2016 will have the task of promoting Cebu as a unique tourist destination, which has a good mix of culture and history. Alpio Saban of Crystal & Supplies and Simply Cebuana designed the new crown for Miss Cebu 2016, “Kaugmaon,” which currently rests on the head of Baljak.