The judging process of this year’s search for Mutya Ng Pilipinas will be more rigid and more strict, with one set for pre-judging and another set for the finals. This is a big change for one of the (if not the) longest-running beauty contests in the country which used to have only one set of judges for the “pre” and the finals. No stand-ins are allowed.
The 30 official homegrown and overseas Mutyas have been going through a series of pre-pageant activities in Nueva Ecija, Pangasinan and Palawan. The adventure continues in the luxurious and world-class Sheridan Beach Resort and Spa in Puerto Princesa City, Iloilo City and Boracay. Pre-judging is set for Aug. 8 at Solaire, with the grand finals at the PICC (date to be announced). Official network is GMA.
Here are 11 of the hopefuls:
Dorina Doerr, Mutya ng Heidelberg — Born (and raised in Germany) to a German father and Filipino mother from Tagbilaran City. She left Heidelberg and studied at Holy Name University in Tagbilaran City.
Marie Ryelle Espiritu, Mutya ng Arizona — An aspiring doctor like her dad, Espiritu was Miss Arizona Teen USA 2013 fourth-placer. Her mom is related to the late movie director Joey Gosiengfiao whose movie Temptation Island starred a Mutya, the Miss Photogenic 1975 Azenith Briones.
Patrizia Bosco, Mutya ng Milan — This Filipina-Italian, 19, speaks English, Italian, Spanish, German, French and a little of Japanese. Born in Italy but she likes pancit more than Italian pasta.
Christina Devries, Mutya ng Toronto — Her mom is from Pakil, Laguna, while her dad hails from Ontario, Canada. She wants to spend more time in the Philippines.
Britt Rekkedal, Mutya ng Scandinavia – From Volda, Norway, she is an aspiring TV host whose dream is to meet Kris Aquino from whom she can ask for hosting tips.
Bea Andrada, Mutya ng Canada — Andrada, 21, graduated with honors for Biotechnology Research. She was Toronto’s Prettiest Filipina and Best in Smile 2013. She wants to meet her dad’s relatives in Davao.
Kim Fyfe, Mutya ng Australia — Standing 5’8”, 18-year-old Kim is a Nursing and Psychology student from Geelong, Victoria, Australia. Her mother is from Dumaguete City.
Cristine Cheeny Racel, Mutya ng Olongapo — This 22-year-old HRM graduate from Olongapo City was the country’s representative to Miss Tourism Queen International Asia in Xitang, China (she placed third runner-up). She was Miss Bikini Philippines 2013 first runner-up and Bb. Olongapo 2012 grand winner.
Froilene Villanueva, Mutya ng Iloilo City — A Communications and Media Studies graduate from University of the Philippines Visayas, this 21-year-old exotic pet lover won Miss Iloilo Dinagyang 2013 second runner-up and Mutya ng Iloilo 2014.
Cheryl Chen, Mutya ng Tarlac — 20-year-old Miss Moncada 2010 loves traveling, playing the guitar, badminton and dancing. Given the chance, she would like to meet Pres. Noynoy Aquino to tell him about the feelings of the young generation.
Glennifer Perido, Mutya ng Cebu — A registered nurse, she spent her growing-up years in the Cordillera Mountains. This stunning commercial model speaks fluent Kalinga, Ilocano and Itawes dialect. The pride of Kalinga Province, she is the country’s representative to Miss Tourism Queen of the Year 2011 in China.
The Mutya ng Pilipinas board led by Joseph Tan (chairman) and Jacqueline Tan (president), together with its major accredited partners Philippine Airlines, San Miguel Corporation, Sheridan Beach Resort & Spa, Hotel H20, Focus Lamps and Robinsons Land, is committed to promote tourism, adventure, socio-civic related promotions and beauty pageantry in the Philippines and overseas.
(E-mail reactions at entphilstar@yahoo.com. You may also send your questions to askrickylo@gmail.com.)