Face of Cebu returns after five years

With Miss Universe Philippines Cebu not pushing through with a pageant this year, it prompted founder and director Danny Booc to finally revive Face of Cebu for its third edition, with its finals on April 11 at the Grand Pacific Ballroom of Waterfront Cebu City Hotel and Casino.

- By JANUAR JUNIOR AGUJA

Originally planned in 2022 following its second edition in 2021 and its inaugural run in 2019 — where former “Pinoy Big Brother” housemate and Kapuso actor-singer John Clifford was named Mr. Face of Cebu — the competition faced several setbacks. These included the COVID-19 pandemic and Super Typhoon Odette in 2021, which ultimately prevented the 2022 staging from pushing through.

Booc promises a bigger competition this year, which includes a grand slew of prizes for its winners. Among them is a franchise package deal for a Korean restaurant worth P1.7 million, to be awarded to the teen winners.

“All of the candidates have this huge enthusiasm and interest to win this contest, and I believe they can pull it off because the standard of looking for contestants in model search competitions has evolved,” Booc told The FREEMAN after its media launch presentation last February 15 at SM Seaside Cebu.

Lara Bernadeth El Sayed and Mark Hans Mabala, both competing in the teen categories, were named Darling of the Press.

Responding to a question about what she would tell God, El Sayed, 16, spoke about her devotion, sharing that she often serves in her church and grew up in a religious household. “If I were to talk to God right now, I would tell Him that I appreciate the blessings He gives me,” she said.