The search for “Umagang Kay Ganda’s” (UKG) first “KusiReyna” has ended with Cebu native Cheryl Gueñares claiming kitchen supremacy, winning the judges over with her signature recipes and helpful tips in the kitchen.

Cheryl, a native of Cebu city and a mother of two, won various prizes including cash, supplies to make more of her winning dishes, and a brand new house and lot in the nationwide search that put the spotlight on loving, caring, and resourceful mothers with exceptional culinary skills and wit. The Visayan bet bested other finalists Gina De Leon (National Capital Region), Jennifer Taojo (Luzon), and Melanie Tingzon (Mindanao).

“I’m so thankful that ‘Umagang Kay Ganda’ gave me a chance to show my cooking skills,” said Cheryl, who clinched the “KusiReyna” title with her signature chicken adobo and sweet and sour fish in the final challenge.  “I’m also glad my family and my neighbors convinced me to take a chance and join,” she added.

The KusiReyna search began in February with participants from all over the Philippines competing in cook-offs and mentored and judged by cooking experts internationally-renowned chef Tatung Sarthou, Bagoong Club executive chef Tristan Bayani, and Kapampangan cuisine expert Lillian Borromeo. The best of the best competed for the crown in the finals last October 26 in Sta. Rosa, Laguna.

“KusReyna” is part of “UKG’s” thrust to further help and support mothers, which are the program’s partners in making each morning bright and happy for Filipino families. The decade-long morning show also holds the “Nanay Convention” (NanayCon), where the UKG family goes around the country for a full day of talks, cooking demo, games, surprise performances and prizes, just for mom.

Meanwhile, the Kapamilya network’s well-loved morning show, anchored by Anthony Taberna, Amy Perez, Jorge Carino, Gretchen Ho, Ariel Ureta, and Winnie Cordero, continues to draw more viewers in the early morning timeslot, according to data from Kantar Media. The show has also received numerous awards including the Best Morning Show by the prestigious PMPC Star Awards for Television, and the ALTA Media Icon Awards this year.

Watch “Umagang Kay Ganda,” airing Monday to Friday from 4:55 am to 8:00 am on ABS-CBN, ABS-CBN HD, and DZMM TeleRadyo on TV, or on iwantv.com.ph or skyondemand.com.phonline. For show updates and online exclusives, follow “Umagang Kay Ganda” on Facebook (@umagangkayganda2) and Twitter (@ukgdos). For updates, follow @abscbnpr on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram or visit www.abscbnpr.com.