Cebu crowns first Binibining Cebu

By Dale Israel, for CNN Philippines

Updated 15:21 PM PHT Sun, October 29, 2017

Apriel Smith (center), with hosts Luis (left) and Edu Manzano (right), during the question and answer portion of the Binibining Cebu pageant held Saturday, Oct. 28.

Cebu City (CNN Philippines, October 29) — The Queen City of the South celebrated beauty Saturday, as it crowned Apriel Smith as its first Binibining Cebu.

The 21-year-old student from Badian won, outshining 51 other candidates who represented the towns and cities of the province.

Smith, the daughter of former PBA player Daryl Smith, spoke of her father's passing in the pageant's question and answer portion where she was asked, "What is the important life lesson that a millennial should learn, and why?"

Smith answered, "His peaceful goodbye changed my perspective of life, the value of family and time. Time is gold. Cherish and embrace time with your family. We will never know when our time will be up."

Smith took home ₱800,000 in cash and prizes. Her crown, designed by Cary Santiago, is made of diamonds, emeralds, rubies, sapphires, sardonyx, and Italian gold.

Completing Smith's court were Binibining Cebu Tourism Samantha Ashley Lo of Asturias, and Binibining Cebu Charity Maria Gigante of Bantayan Island.

The runners-up were Ingrid Elizabeth Montesclaros of Minglanilla as first runner-up, and Kathleen Mae Lendio of Danao City as second runner-up.

Smith's town of Badian will also receive ₱200,000 cash. The towns of the other top winning candidates also got ₱150,000, ₱100,000, ₱75,000, and ₱50,000.

The first ever Binibining Cebu pageant was held at the Cebu City Waterfront Hotel and Casino.

It replaced the abolished Miss Cebu pageant, which was supposed to be held during the Sinulog festivities last January.

The event was hosted by Edu Manzano and Luis Manzano.

http://cnnphilippines.com/regional/2017/10/29/binibining-cebu-2017-apriel-smith.html