A Palaweña international beauty titlist was awarded as an “empowered woman” under the “advocacy and service” category of the first Lustre Awards 2019, a fashion and philanthropy recognition awards body headed by internationally-acclaimed fashion designer Don Cristobal.
Cindy Madduma, who was born and raised in Brgy. Bancao-Bancao here in Puerto Princesa City, received the award last Dec 28, 2019 at the Grand Ballroom of Crowne Plaza Manila.
She is currently the National Director of Miss Scuba Philippines, which she assumed right after winning the international crown of Miss Scuba International in 2015.
Madduma thinks that the reason behind the recognition is her passion in promoting not only the pageant of Miss Scuba but the essence of marine conservation that leads to sustainable marine tourism, plus promoting safe scuba diving.
“The award is about empowerment and inspiration, what I do in Miss Scuba is empowering the young Filipina women about the sports of scuba diving, and amplifying their voice for ocean conservation,” Madduma said.
The first pinnacle award giving body aims to honor outstanding shakers and movers in the Philippine fashion industry. The other awardees for 2019 were: shoe designer Jojo Bragais, swimwear designer Doms Ramos and Filipino pageant icon Rodin Gilbert Flores.
Madduma, aside from Miss Scuba Philippines and Miss Scuba International, is also Miss Tourism World 2014, Miss Global Philippines 2014 Tourism Ambasador. She was first runner up in Mutya ng Palawan 2008, and Miss Puerto Princesa 2009 second runner up.
Madduma is set to return to Palawan seas this January to spearhead another sustainable conservation tourism project to be announced soon.
The 32-year-old nursing graduate of Palawan State University is also a NAUI Divemaster, and TV host for UNTV’s The Dive aired every Sunday from 11 to 11:30 AM.
“Sa The Dive we are spreading awareness about the ocean and ways on how we can save it, we are promoting the Philippines Dive tourism industry by showcasing it’s richness and bounty, we had world class dives sites here,” Madduma explained.
Madduma received a plaque and trophy for the said award. The awarding ceremony was also the launch of The Metro Fashion Ball event.