The Sinulog festival in Cebu is one of the largest most-colorful celebrations in the Philippines. It is the Filipino equivalent of the world-famous Festival in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and Mardi Gras in New Orleans, Louisiana, USA. The festival is an annual event that takes place on the third Sunday of January in honor of Santo Niño , or the Child Jesus.  The essence of the Sinulog Festival is the celebration of the Cebuano's pagan past and their acceptance of Christianity. One of the unique events during the Sinulog Festival is the Miss Cebu pageant which features twelve of Cebu's most-beautiful, talented and elegant young women. They compete to represent this great city known as the Queen City of South.

The Miss Cebu 2008 pageant is a unique contest in comparison with traditional pageants. The contest actually takes place over three months, starting in October with a series of contestant screenings to choose the top twelve. Then over the next three months leading up to the final crowning ceremony on January 17th, the contestants participate in Cebu historical tours, etiquette training, photo shoots, countless PR activities, not to mention pageant-committee interviews and other judging events.

Editor's Note: Portions of this story  and some of the pictures shown in the links are the proprietary and property of www.bisayabulletin.com and we have asked permission to publish them. Readers are urged to visit the www.bisayabulletin.com to view a more-detailed presentation of the past and contemporary Cebuano history and the events in Cebu.

One unique and fun aspect of the Miss Cebu pageant is the interactive, audience participation portion of the contest.  That's right, you can register at www.itsngenius.com/mscebu2008 and vote for your favorite Miss Cebu contestant. Just simply click on the the stars [up to 5 stars] to vote and rate your favorite contestant, then stay tuned to MabuhayRadio.com for the results on January 17th, 2008.

Profile of a Miss Cebu Contestant Priscilla Mae Honorio

Miss Priscilla Mae Honorio is a dean's list nursing student in her fourth year at the University of San Carlos in Cebu City. She is looking forward to graduating this spring, taking her board exams, and starting her career in a field where helping others is the first and only priority.  Miss Honorio, or Mai as she is known by her friends and family, was born and raised in Cebu; she is a true Cebuana.  Mai  entered the Miss Cebu pageant after being crowned Miss Philippine Students Nurse's Association 2007, and she just ended her reign as Miss University of San Carlos Talamban. 

Since October Mai has managed to balance a full schedule of school work, hospital duties, studying for the boards, and pageant functions.  It has been a hectic but fun time for Mai, and we were able to actually catch up with her to ask a few questions and get to know her a little better:

What do you love about Cebu?

I am very lucky and grateful that I was born and raised here in Cebu City, it is the place where you can find the friendliest people, beautiful white sand beaches and good food.  I cannot imagine to live in another place, Cebu is my home and my only home.

How did you get involved in the Miss Cebu pageant? 

Aside from the prodding of my friends and family, I finally decided to join this contest because I know that it will be a great honor to have the chance to represent Cebu City. I would like to take the opportunity to be a part in promoting this great city, which I am very proud of and I hope that I will be able to achieve that come January 17, 2008.

Why did you choose to pursue nursing as a career?

When I was in high school, I was a volunteer for the Philippine National Red Cross and during that time, I always knew that helping others is my calling. Also Science subjects have always been my favorite since I was in grade school. Taking up nursing was not a hard decision for me because not only will I be able to help others but also know that my family and I will have a great future.

What do you like to do in your spare time, which is not much these days?

I love to read, but I haven’t done much reading lately due to my schedule which is school, hospital duties, nursing review and Miss Cebu functions. I also like to watch soccer games, especially if David Beckham is playing. I am into F1 racing. I am fascinated with History and Sciences.

You can vote for Mai and wish her well in the pageant by visiting the Miss Cebu website at  www.itsngenius.com/mscebu2008, then mouse over the Home icon to reveal the “register” link to the left.  After you register the website will send you a confirmation email, simply click to confirm your registration, then login and click on the picture, select a star rating [1-5 stars] and that will be your vote.