Mrs. Cebu-Philippines 2025 finals set for Nov. 29

Donning sharp, colorful corporate “girl boss” outfits for their sashing ceremony, the 15 candidates of Mrs. Cebu-Philippines 2025 each have their reasons for joining the pageant for married women, single mothers, and older women.

- By JANUAR JUNIOR AGUJA

[L to R] Raina Barrientos (27, Mandaue City), Jesusa Lopez (69, Talisay City - South), Shanine Rose Gealon (27, Argao), Eunice Baguio (32, San Remigio), Sweeney Capote (37, Toledo City), Emielou Sanchez (30, Borbon), Mae Mancao Maranga (29, Cebu City-South), Janeth Bardos (45, Lapu-Lapu City-South), Myria Navarra (43, Carcar City), Marichu Alferez (45, Lapu-Lapu City-North), Alfanta Obispo (38, Mactan), Raquel Britania (40, Talisay City-North), Nika Linz Harris (31, Liloan), Princess Devalque (24, Cebu City-North) and Ethel Joan Poley (48. Consolacion)

(JANJAR JUNIOR AGUJA)

Among them is Jesusa Lopez from Talisay City-South, the oldest contestant at 69, who was named Darling of the Press during the September 27 press conference at Teatro Casino, Waterfront Cebu City Hotel and Casino. Joining the competition fulfills her long-held dream of joining a beauty tilt.

“At my age, I want to enjoy myself,” she said. “I want to encourage and inspire women that whether they are single or separated, we are strong even though we don’t have a husband.”

In contrast, Princess Devalgue of Cebu City-North is the youngest at 24 and a mother of two.

“I was told that young mothers my age don’t usually have opportunities, and people think we are just wasted goods,” she said. “That’s why I joined, because I want to empower young mothers and show that opportunities are waiting for us as long as we lift each other up.”

Raquel Britania, 40, from Talisay City-North, said she aims to help stay-at-home mothers find ways to earn an income.