What’s a ‘supranational’ beauty?

MANILA, Philippines - When Mutya Johanna Datul was named 2013 Bb. Pilipinas-Supranational in the 50th anniversary of Bb. Pilipinas  the country’s most prestigious pageant  held at the Big Dome last April 14, not a few pageant fans wondered, “What’s Supranational?”

Mutya asked the same question herself when she first learned that Supranational was added this year to the bevy of Bb. Pilipinas titles at stake, now totaling to four. Ariella Arida of Alaminos, Pangasinan was crowned Miss Philippines Universe; Bea Rose Santiago of Masbate City as Bb. Pilipinas-International; and Cindy Miranda of Rizal, Nueva Ecija as Bb. Pilipinas-Tourism. 

After winning the title (as well as the special awards Miss Photogenic and Best in Evening Gown), Mutya looked it up on the Internet.

“Ano ba yung Supranational? I found out that Supranational is the newest international pageant. It’s going to be held in September,” Mutya told The STAR.

According to its official website, Miss Supranational, now on its fifth edition this year, will be hosted by the Eastern European country of Belarus. It is founded by the World Beauty Association (WBA), S.A., which “has been established on the basis of 20 years of experience in the event industry and the organization of beauty contests” with the mission-vision to “draw attention to those countries on their way to become tourism destinations of high attraction. We enable the youth to expand their horizons by showing them the beautiful side of a truly globalized world.”

Bb. Pilipinas 2012 first runner-up Elaine Kay Moll was fielded to the said pageant last year and won third runner-up.

“So, I will do my very best. I really hope to win the Miss Supranational crown,” the 20-year-old Information Technology student from Isabela said.

Mutya makes it no secret that her motivation for joining pageants is her family. Having had pageant experience, she became an early favorite in the Bb. Pilipinas contest, particularly cited by pageant watchers for her beautiful face.

She shared, “Mother ko kasi may karamdaman. Lifetime yung medication niya. Lahat ng winnings ko from joining pageants para sa pagpapagamot sa kanya.

“Year 2011, nagkasakit Nanay ko, then 2012, na-aksidente father ko (he’s a policeman), so sobra talagang pagsubok sa buhay namin, na di mo na maramdaman yung sarili mo. So, my goal talaga is to help my parents. I just want to give back.”

Mutya said from now until the Supranational pageant, one of the things she’ll focus on improving is how to articulate her thoughts and express herself better. “Pero alam ko na kaya ko. I’m just thankful to God for the opportunity.”

Meanwhile, Bb. Pilipinas first runner-up Pia Wurtzbach said that she has always had beauty-queen dreams.

Pia, who used to be an ABS-CBN talent (launched as part of Star Circle Batch 11 under the screen name Pia Romero with Pauleen Luna, Glaiza de Castro, Carla Humphries, etc.), said, “I’ve always wanted to join a beauty pageant. I wasn’t able to pursue it before because I was busy acting. I was the breadwinner of the family.

“Thankfully, my family is okay now. My mother remarried, and they all live in England. Now that they’re okay and I’m living independently, I am now able to do what I want to do.”

Another strong contender even from the start, the 23-year-old Fil-German stunner, who represented Cagayan de Oro City, doesn’t mind joining Bb. Pilipinas next year for another shot at a title. “I’m opening my options to everything. I could either join again next year. I think being first runner-up is a good position to be in because I get to train with the four girls and there’s no pressure. As first runner-up, I’m the one next in line for all the titles if in case anyone of them won’t continue.”

Asked if she was disappointed after failing to snag a title this year, Pia said, “Of course, I want to get a title on my first try. But I can’t complain because this is my first pageant and I made it this far — one of the Top 5. I remember standing there on the stage and when you look back, you see the other candidates, and there are 50 of us, like whoa! I feel it’s a big achievement for me already.”

She’s also grateful for the learnings. “I’ve definitely learned how to be more graceful. Before (in showbiz), they don’t really teach you how to talk to people, I mean they just want you to be yourself basically. With this one, you can’t just be beautiful, you have to know what you’re talking about, what’s going around you... when they throw questions at you, you have to be ready.”

When asked about her plans (will she give showbiz another try?), Pia, who also took up culinary studies, said, “Right now, I’m just going to enjoy the training that I’m going to have with the girls. I’ll be called as the only first runner-up and I’ll still be included in all the charity events so I’m going to enjoy all that. I’ll just see what’s in store for me. I’m happy right now.”