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CEBU CITY — Amid the rhythmic beats of drums, swirling colors of festival costumes and an unexpected downpour, Sofi Maxim Grenmo of Lapu-Lapu City stood triumphant as she became the Sinulog Festival Queen 2025.
The coronation night, held on Friday at the Cebu City Sports Center, celebrated not just beauty and artistry but also resilience and devo-tion.
SINULOG QUEEN Cebu City Mayor Raymond Alvin Garcia congratulates Sofi Maxim Grenmo, who was crowned Sinulog Festival Queen 2025, during the coronation night on Jan. 17, 2025 at the Cebu City Sports Center. Also in photo are (from left) Miss Cebu 2025 Christine Escanilla, his wife Kate Garcia, and Sinulog Festival Queen 2024 Mariel Bogert. PHOTO BY KAISER JAN FUENTES
Grenmo captivated the crowd and judges alike, sweeping major awards including Best in Production Presentation, Best in Festival Costume and Best in Solo Performance.
Her grace under pressure and commanding presence on stage earned her the coveted title, along with corporate awards including Miss MyTV Cebu 2025, Miss Golden Topper and Miss Winzir.
The first runner-up was Carcar City's Mary Josephine Paaske, who also received the Best in Group Performance award and several cor-porate titles, including Miss Coca-Cola, Miss Magnolia Templados, Miss Nutrichunks and Miss BingoPlus.
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Arianne Torres of Mandaue City secured the second runner-up spot, adding the Best in Instrumentation special award and the Hiyas ng Sugbo title to her achievements.
Third runner-up honors went to Nadine Faith McCoy of Talisay City, who showed immense determination as the first performer despite heavy rains during the group segment. Her resilience set the tone for a vibrant evening.
Cyrene Chavarria Ponce of Consolacion completed the Top 5 as fourth runner-up, contributing to the festive atmosphere with her per-formance.
The night also recognized other remarkable candidates with special and corporate awards.
Dheya Casio Jaculbe of Barangay Kalunasan won Miss Photogenic.
Miss Cebu Landmaster was awarded to Danao City's representative, who also secured Dr. Wong's Most Confident Award, Miss DITO and Miss Manila Bankers Insurance.
Meanwhile, Barangay Zapatera's candidate earned the Miss TDCX title.
The event began with 22 group performances, each a tribute to the Sto. Niño, despite a brief rain interruption.
The candidates dazzled the audience in their solo presentations, showcasing individual creativity and devotion. The evening concluded with a powerful all-candidates showdown, symbolizing unity and faith.
Sofi succeeded Mariel Bogert, last year's Sinulog Festival Queen from Carcar City, who represented Canlaon City.
Bogert placed as second runner-up in last year's Reyna ng Aliwan national competition, which was won by another Cebuana, Mia Tama-yo of Carcar City, representing Cebu Provincial Capitol's Pasigarbo sa Sugbo.
Mia, sister of basketball star Carl Tamayo, also won the title Sinulog sa Lalawigan Festival Queen. The Capitol held a separate competition after it decided not to join the main Sinulog competition due to its location at the South Road Properties (SRP).
After two years at SRP, Sinulog festivities return to their traditional route in the main city.
