Group launches Binibing Cebu

A non- government organization launched last night the first Binibining Cebu, a beauty pageant that will allow the municipalities and cities in Cebu to showcase their beautiful ladies and local products.

The pageant, which is supported by the Sacred Heart School (SHS) Batch 1985 Foundation, also aims to highlight the heritage, culture and tourist attractions in Cebu.

A total of 54 candidates will vie for the Binibining Cebu title.

There will be one representative each from the 44 municipalities and eight cities while two candidates will come from Cebu City.

Raymond Tio, a businessman, was designated as the chairman of the pageant.

Presidential Assistant for the Visayas Michael Lloyd Dino, who is part of SHS Batch 85, said his group formed the pageant in order to promote Cebu.

Dino also said that the pageant will serve as a vehicle to promote each city and municipality.

“This is not going to be an all-pageant event. The organizers agreed that every municipality or city will have the opportunity to showcase their potential, be it tourist attractions and heritage, products or something that you can invite the rest of the world to see and experience,” he said in his speech.

Dino went on to say that the event is apolitical, and that the rift between him and Cebu City Mayor Tomas Osmeña will not affect it.

Osmeña canceled the annual Miss Cebu pageant starting this year, saying that the event is only for the elite. It was also to reduce the City Government’s spending.

The Binibining Cebu will be held on Oct. 28.

The deadline for the submissions of applications for the candidates will be on Aug. 14 while the official presentation will be on Aug. 19. /