Nineteen-year-old Chelsea Fernandez, a broadcasting student from Tacloban City, was crowned 2018 Reyna ng Aliwan Fiesta in glittering festivities on April 28.
Representing the Sangyaw festival, Fernandez bested 19 other candidates from various regions throughout the Philippines in the much coveted search which has produced top national and international beauty queens.
Chanel Mistyca Corpuz, representing the Abrenian-Kawayan festival was named first runner-up, with Lady Justerinnie Santos of the Singkaban festival of Bulacan, Ashanti Shane Ervas of the Niyogyugan festival of Quezon, and Shaila Mae Rebortera of the Sinulog festival of Cebu sharing second runner-up honors.
Fernandez also went home with the awards for Best in Swimsuit and Best in Evening Gown, while Santos took home the award for Best in Festival Costume. Ella Mariz Cayabyab, who represented the Boling-Boling festival of Catanauan, Quezon was named Miss Photogenic.
Fernandez’s win capped a day filled with so much pride for Leyteños, which began with 2016 Reyna ng Aliwan Cynthia Thomalla of Macrohon, Southern Leyte bagging the Miss Eco International title in Egypt at 7 a.m. Manila time, and ended with Tribu Buraburon of Buraen, Leyte representing the Kasadyaan festival, emerging victorious with the street dance championship.
