She was named after a famous fairytale story and it was a happy fairytale for Cinderella “Cindy” Obeñita when she won the wildcard or fan vote in the 2021 Bb. Pilipinas edition. A lot of fans and pageant watchers brushed her off during the competition but there were many who believed she would defy the odds.
And she did by giving the most mic drop moment that night.
The lady from Misamis Oriental
Having joined a lot of pageants in her early years, Cindy Obeñita was working as a tourism officer when she decided to try for Bb. Pilipinas. She would eventually become part of the Top 40 and train under Aces and Queens, the same group that has honed the likes of Miss Universe 2015 Pia Wurtzbach, Miss World 2013 Megan Young, and Miss International 2016 Kylie Verzosa.
When the Qrown Philippines spoke to Cindy alongside fellow Mindanaoan and pageant sister Lesley Ticaro in 2021, she said that there was so much more to be discovered about the island than what it portrayed in the news. She also said that it has been a while since another lady from Misamis Oriental-Cagayan de Oro won the title, with Pia representing in 2015 and eventually winning Miss Universe.
When it was announced that there would be one candidate who’ll enter for the fan vote, the people of Misamis Oriental rallied behind Cindy. She eventually got the coveted placement during the finals night and was ready to show everyone what she was made of.
Emma Tiglao, the lucky charm
During a Qrown interview, Cindy shared that she met Bb. Pilipinas Intercontinental 2019 Emma Tiglao several times. Emma was a judge in some of the pageants Cindy joined.
When she delivered her answers during the Q and A round, it was very clear that Cindy was a shoo-in for one of the crowns. When Catriona Gray and Nicole Cordoves announced that Cindy won the Bb. Pilipinas Intercontinental title, it was Emma who crowned her. Judging from Emma’s smile, she was happy to see that Cindy was the lady she was passing her crown to.
When Cindy bagged the second Miss Intercontinental title in Egypt, Emma wrote that she felt like a winner.
“Nakakatuwa na makita at mawitness ang pageant journey mo. From Miss Camiguin to Miss Cagayan De Oro to Binibining Pilipinas and now our Miss Intercontinental. Sa totoo lang parang nanalo na din ako.”
Charming Egypt
During the Miss Intercontinental activities, it was clear that Cindy had a chance to win the crown. In a sea of beautiful candidates, Cindy’s gift of gab, charm, and her fun tourism video stood out. She even shared the story during the homecoming that one of the reasons the organizers picked her was her fun tourism video.
She also interacted with her fellow sisters at the pageant and got to show her fun side during Halloween by dressing up as Darna.
Cindy also has fun with the wardrobe provided for her by her styling team led by fashion designer Odelon Simpao. At the finals, Cindy changed into a long gown and a cocktail dress which she wore when she got crowned. She eventually changed into another dress for the formal photos.
Just like fellow queen Maureen Montagne, Cindy made history by becoming the country’s second Miss Intercontinental winner after Karen Gallman in 2018.
A career in hosting perhaps?
As Cindy prepares to turn over her crown on Sunday, there are so many opportunities opening up for her. Like fellow queens Meiji Cruz, Maureen Montagne, and Samantha Panlilio, hosting seems to be her forte. Aside from hosting several events in Misamis, Cindy also hosted the fashion show and press presentation.
Cindy was also fortunate to be invited to New York in June, where she was a guest for the Philippine embassy’s Independence Day event. She also got to attend the Independence Day event of the Embassy of Egypt a few weeks ago.
She has also been active in promoting the Miss Kuyamis pageant early this year and flies back and forth to Manila from Misamis to attend to various Binibini activities.
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