Mirror, mirror on the wall...

MANILA, Philippines -  Quezon City, awarded as one of the top Asian cities of the future by a Singapore-based consulting firm, is celebrating its 70th Foundation Day this year. With a proud past, confident present and a resplendent future, Quezon City has dramatically transformed itself from a barren expanse of hills and plateaus into a metropolis that is confidently rising as the hub of business, education and entertainment.

As the largest city in area and population, Quezon City also stages one of the most prestigious and coveted local beauty crowns — Mutya ng Lungsod Quezon 2009. As part of the 70th foundation celebrations, the beauty extravaganza will stage a grandiose coronation night at the UP Theater soon. Fashion and pageant impresario Renee Salud is overall head of production while beauty pageant expert Rodgil Flores is overall director.

Twenty-one young and lovely ladies, as brilliant and confident as the city they represent, are vying for the coveted crown and the windfall of cash and other prizes that go with it. Let’s meet the first 10 of the brightest stars of Mutya ng Lungsod Quezon 2009:

1. Gabrielle Marie “Gabby” J. Cabrera, 18

Gabby is a BS Agricultural Economics student of UP Los Baños. She hails from Filinvest I and is the younger sister of 2005 Bb. Pilipinas-Universe Giona Cabrera. Gabby is currently a member of two influential organizations in her school; she is also into singing, acting, dancing and ramp modeling.

2. Beatriz “Bea” L. Arenal, 20

Bea is from Barangay San Agustin, Novaliches. Standing 5’7 1/2”, she is currently studying at Centro Escolar University taking up BS Tourism Management. Bea is a veteran of two national pageants: Mutya ng Pilipinas 2007 where she was a top 15 finalist and Best in Swimsuit, and Turismo Pilipina 2008.

3. Kristian Aubrey E. Nolasco, 17

Aubrey is the youngest contestant and hails from Mother Ignacia St. Quezon City. She’s a senior high school student of Sacred Heart Academy and joined Mutya ng Lungsod Quezon 2009 to prove her worth to others. Statuesque at 5’7”, she aspires to be a ramp model.

4. Ma. Paula B. Estenso, 17

Paula, who is from Project 6, is the tallest contestant at 5’11”. She is a freshman Nursing student at Our Lady of Fatima University. Mutya ng Lungsod Quezon 2009 is her first beauty pageant ever. Paula is also into singing and volleyball.

5. Maritoni “Toni” D. Tan, 17

Toni is from Caina Drive, Balon-Bato. After graduating from Baesa High School, she worked as a secretary at Fei-Rov Corp. Toni hopes to be a flight stewardess in the future.

6. Ma. Alexandria “Lexxi” A. Garcia, 23

Lexxi is from Kamuning and a graduate of the University of Sto. Tomas. She is into singing and enjoys swimming in her free time. She also loves the color pink, Persian food and R&B music.

7. Mohanna “Hanna” L. Moya, 17

Hanna, who comes from Batasan Hills, is a sophomore student of the University of Sto. Tomas. She is active in school organizations and is a music person. She loves eating fruits and is also into volleyball, taekwondo and badminton.

8. Joanna Sami “Sam” C. Buquing, 20

Currently studying at the Philippine Women’s University, Sam of Bago Bantay hopes to be a flight attendant in the future. She joined Mutya ng Lungsod Quezon 2009 to actively participate in the city’s 70th foundation day.

9. Micah Avon A. Mariano, 22

Micah comes from Project 8 and is a student of AMA Computer University. She is the granddaughter of the late character actor Venchito Galvez. She has joined many local and campus pageants and aspires to be a successful ramp model.

10. Miriam May V. Reginaldo, 19

A student of UE-Manila and hails from Novaliches, Miriam loves to dance and hopes to be a national beauty queen and successful model in the future.