The annual Miss Cebu Pageant has always been a glittery event and is one of the high points of Cebu’s social calendar.

In a fast-paced extravaganza where songs and dances and artistically choreographed numbers followed, the 12 lovely finalists gamely paraded several times attired in fun wear by designers Rey Villegas, Wendell Quisido, Dino Lloren, and Brian Aloquin, and couture gowns before the receptive audience, all admirers of beauty, talent and intelligence.

The pageant judges included Senator Loren Legarda as chair, Metro magazine editor in chief Melanie Elaine Cuevas, Cebu Marriott Hotel general manager Roy Abraham, Belo Essentials managing director Cristalle Belo Henares, Plantation Bay Resort president Manny Gonzales, Bb. Pilipinas-Universe 1984 Desiree Verdadero-Abesamis, and Samsung general manager Louie Liston.

Amiable JC Cuadrado serenaded the candidates during their last collective appearance in creations by Cebu’s top fashion designers — Protacio Empaces, Ray Kuan, Edwin Ao, Mario Rotersos, Myrna Cebrecus, Ren Manabat, Minnie Yuvienco, Albert Arriba, Oj Hofer, Jun Escario, Marichu Tan Geson, William Manahan, Harley Ruedas, Arcy Gayatin, and Sal Malto.

Special awards were given to Carolyn Flores as Miss Cathay Pacific Glamour Girl and Miss Photogenic, while Girlie Gabriel was Miss Friendship Waterfront. Kirstie Babor, who donned a fully beaded silver gown, garnered for designer Oj Hofer the award for best designer in the evening gown competition.

Shortly thereafter, Kathy Atuel, Jam Charish Libatog, Priscilla Honorio, and Karen Nacario were declared first, second, third and fourth runners-up, respectively. And the lucky winner?

Twenty-one year old Sian Maynard, a voice actress, was crowned Miss Cebu 2008 by Cebu City Mayor Tomas Osmeña and Miss Cebu 2007 Loise Angelique Tan. She wore a stunning purple gown by designer Harley Ruedas.

The 24-year-old search for the city’s ambassador of goodwill is a laudable project of the Cebu Tourism Commission headed by Cebu City Vice Mayor Michael Rama as chairman, assisted by tourism commissioners Councilor Arsenio Pacaña, Tourism Director Dawnie Roa, Olivia Dizon, travel specialist Joan Tiu, Tetta Baad, entrepreneurs Joseph Davison Gaisano and Joy Benedicto, hotelier Marco Protacio, Arts Council president Cristina Garcia and this writer.