Cebu has proven that it is the home that breeds the Reynas of Aliwan Fiesta!
Kiara Liane E. Wellington, representing the Sinulog Festival, has been crowned as the Reyna of Aliwan Fiesta 2023.
She bested 17 other beauty candidates coming from diverse cities and provinces in Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.
JUST IN: CEBU TAKES HOME THE ALIWAN 2023 CROWN!
— DZRH NEWS (@dzrhnews) July 15, 2023
Kiara Liane Wellington, kandidata ng Sinulog Festival, itinanghal bilang #ReynaNgAliwan2023#AliwanFiesta2023#SamaSamaTayoPilipino pic.twitter.com/dQzKKw1KJC
During the Question and Answer (Q&A) portion on the pageant night on Friday night, July 14, at Aliw Theater, Pasay City, Kiarra had an outstanding answer that made her sweep the grand title.
The 21-year-old Filipina-British beauty queen was asked by one of the judges the question “What does it mean to be a modern woman?”
Here’s what she said, “To be a modern woman is to be empowered, because empowered women inspire and motivates other women. She is someone who sets goals on how to remote—well of course our Aliwan Festival—to showcase our diversity in our culture and heritage but not just only that, but our tourism as well–and not only just for the Philippines but everywhere around the world.”
She also clinched the special award of Best in Evening Gown in the preliminary rounds.
JUST IN: Kiara Liane E. Wellington of Sinulog Festival is this year's winner of Best in Evening Gown! #ReynaNgAliwan #AliwanFiesta2023 pic.twitter.com/kaGcnYcoyj
— DZRH NEWS (@dzrhnews) July 14, 2023
Aside from the prestige crown and sash, Wellington will be taking home a cash price of ₱150,000 and an additional ₱10,000.
In 2022, the 21-year-old beauty queen joined Miss Philippines Earth but failed to take home the crown.
In January this year, she was hailed as Sinulog Festival Queen and bagged three special awards including, Miss Photogenic, Best in Opening Production Number, and Best Sinulog Festival Costume.
Wellington is now added to the long list of Cebuana who achieved the Reyna ng Aliwan title.
The past title holders are Nicole Borromeo (2019), Marla Alforque (2017), Miss Eco International 2018 Cynthia Thomalla (2016), Steffi Aberasturi (2014), and Miss Earth 2014 Jamie Herrell (2013), Miss Tourism International 2014 Angeli Dione Gomez (2012), Binibining Pilipinas Supranational 2015 Rogelie Catacutan (2011), Miss Tourism International 2012 Rizzini Alexis Gomez (2010), and Sian Elizabeth Maynard (2009).
