Kefaiah Al-Zair, a 19-year-old Nursing student from Cebu Doctors University, triumphed over 11 other hopefuls at the Miss Cebu 2023 pageant held on January 11, 2023, at the Waterfront Cebu City Hotel and Casino.

19-year-old Al-Zair, who hails from Sibonga, succeeds Miss Cebu 2022 Gabriella Mai Carballo. Her court includes 1st runner-up Patricia Gail Dueñas, 2nd runner-up Corinthia Marie Empe, 3rd runner-up Chynna Julienne Dorado, and 4th runner-up Niña Danielle Illustrisimo.

Al-Zair, an early favorite at the press presentation, advocates for creating space and acknowledging children’s rights. Earlier in the evening, she also took home the sashes for Best in Hinablon sa Cebu Award (wearing designer Brian Aloquin), Miss PAGCOR Charity, Miss Oro Galleria, and Best in Evening Gown (wearing Wendell Quisido).

At the final question-and-answer portion, the final five candidates were asked, “What is the single most important tourism asset of Cebu City, and how do you think it can be used to promote Cebu to tourists?”

Al-Zair’s winning answer was, “Cebu City is a home of endless possibilities. Not only do we have modern infrastructures, but we can also offer serene highlands and build relationships. It is the people—the people are the highlight of Cebu because [they are] the foundation of the tourism aspect that we have here. Imbued with gratification and happiness—this is who we are as a Cebuano. This is the foundation of Cebu—the Cebuano.”

Miss Cebu 2023 takes home a cash prize of Php 100,000.00 from the Cebu City Tourism Commission and other prizes from sponsors. Moving forward, she will serve as an ambassadress of Cebu in promoting tourism, as well as her advocacies.

Minor Awards

• Shari Stacey Bacalso — Miss Friendship, presented by Waterfront Cebu City Hotel & Casino and Miss Fashion-Forward Filipina, presented by Fili Hotel
• Chynna Julienne Dorado — Miss Photogenic, presented by Macy’s Camera Shop and Belo Medical Group
• Laica Pauline Uy — Miss Confident, presented by Dr. Wong’s Lightening Cream
• Patricia Gail Dueñas — Miss Standout Beauty, presented by Myra E
• Hanz Coquilla — Best Modern Balintawak Designer, worn by candidates Mipsen Calves and Chynna Julienne Dorado
• Rei Escario — Best Evening Gown Designer, worn by Olive May Sophia Bihag

^{Featured Photo: Raymond Gultiano and Earl Ryan Santiago, makeup by Kat Lapera/Facebook: Kefaiah Al-Zair}