‘My best birthday gift ever’

Biology student Namrata Neesha Murjani, a Cebuana of Indian descent, was crowned Miss Cebu 2013 last night.

Joining Murjani’s court are 1st runner-up Therese Christine Llamada, 2nd runner-up is Maria Gigante, 3rd runner-up is Patricia Ann Estuart, and 4th runner-up Ely Rose Apple Angcon.

Special prizes went to Marivee Ann Velasquez as the Miss Photogenic and Ely Rose Apple Angcon as the Kapamilya Star of the Night.

In an interview after the pageant, Murjani said she takes inspiration from Mahatma Gandhi, the father of her father’s home country.

“I want to be the change I want to see in the world,” she told reporters.

With her pageant victory, she said the Miss Cebu crown is one of the best birthday gifts she ever received as she turns 20 years old today.

“I think the crown symbolizes how I never give up just to achieve something that I know I can do. I have proven to people before that I am more than what they think I am,” she said.

Murjani said her father, who is a devout Catholic, taught her Christian values.

She said she has never skipped a single fiesta of the Sto. Niño since she was born on Sinulog day. /Marian Z. Codilla, Tweeny M. Malinao and Christine Emily L. Pantaleon