Candidate # 1-Rashed Al Sugharer
Candidate # 2-Rydell Quiblat
Candidate # 3-Brien Pacas
Candidate # 4-Jose Felix Cleofas
Candidate # 5-Edwin Ayo
Candidate # 6-Pocholo Enriquez
Candidate # 7-Alexander Lopez
Candidate # 8-Mark de Asis
In the last decade under head honcho Harley Ruedas, Ginoong Filipinas Cebu used to lord it over the Queen City of the South and the likes of Jeram Lumbab who won Ginoong Filipinas 1994, Mark Katada who became Jeram's successor and was Ginoong Filipinas 1995, and John Lawrence Aquino who was Ginoong Filipinas Tourism 1995 and Israel Geraldo who was Ginoong Filipinas Luzon 1996, gave Harley Ruedas an unprecedented golden years ... and that gave him also a monicker- the pageant organizer with a golden touch. In the span of three years Harley was grinning wide and was very proud of their achievements.
When Harley slowed down, there was a lull in Cebu's pageantopolis ... and the general malaise was felt, and their absence in the national contest was sorely missed. Manila, Pangasinan, Pampanga and Nueva Ecija didn't have any competetion anymore; although that assure them of an easy win, their victories were not as sweet as when there was "pukpokan" on and off the stage as witness in the previous years.
Then suddenly, Cebu bounce back ... although they dont have to go to Manila, they manage to organize a local contest that has all the trimmings and prestige of winning a national title ... and I am referring to Mr. Cebu. We have been following the pageant, and basing from the candidates it has attracted, the pageants production values, the media coverage, their official website that can make Mr. World Philippines, Manhunt Philippines and Mr. International Philippines blush with envy ... Cebu is definitely in the winning spree.
And now ... there's Mr. Lapulapu City being launched, and again basing from the candidates "face value" the pageant is indeed a perfect foil to the fire and magic of Mr. Cebu. And to the organizers of Mr. Lapulapu ... guys we are watching! Good Luck!
Photo Credits: Eyeronick