CEBU, Philippines - Beauties from Cebu are on a roll!
Eva Psychee Patalinjug, a 20-year-old Nursing graduate from Cebu Doctor’s University, was crowned Mutya ng Pilipinas Asia Pacific 2014 from among 30 candidates in glittering ceremonies held Friday night at the Grand Ballroom of Solaire Resort and Casino.
Patalinjug’s triumph marks the sixth national pageant crown won by Cebu representatives this year, beginning with Kris Tiffany Janson (Binibining Pilipinas Intercontinental), Steffi Rose Aberasturi (Reyna ng Aliwan), Jamie Herrell (Miss Philippines Earth), Stephanie Tiro-Sitoy (Mrs. Globe-Philippines), and Vanessa Mae Walters (Miss Teen Earth Philippines).
Patalinjug also won Best in Swimsuit, Mutya ng Solaire and Viva Discovery awards; while her National Costume designer, Philip Tampus (also from Cebu) was selected winner in the Designers Competition.
Looking sweet and elegant in her pink terno, she kept the winning streak of Cebuana candidates in Mutya, following Rizzini Gomez and Angeli Gomez’s back-to-back selection as Mutya ng Pilipinas Tourism International – both of whom later on dominated the international pageant they were sent to in Malaysia.
While last year’s Mutya ng Pilipinas Asia Pacific title-holder Koreen Medina was flown to Germany to vie for the Miss Intercontinental crown, the latter’s Philippine franchise had been accorded to Binibining Pilipinas, so what international tilt Patalinjug will be sent to is still uncertain.
Mutya president Jacqueline Tan though has assured pageant followers that the Mutya Asia Pacific winner will be definitely sent to an international pageant, promising “details to be announced soon.”
Patalinjug graduated last April and just recently took the Nursing Board Exam. Hailing from a family of politicians, she was previously a Barangay Pajo, Lapu-Lapu City Sanggunian Kabataan chair and a college student representative for three years.
This charming lady’s early foray into pageantry was her participation in Miss CVIRAA 2008 – she bagged the title, earning the right to represent her region in the same year’s Miss Palarong Pambansa, for which she was also crowned victor. Her recent titles include Miss Mandaue 2013 second runner-up and Miss Cebu 2014 first runner-up (sweeping almost all awards during coronation night).
Don’t let this Models Association of Cebu member’s delicate looks fool you – she won’t be a damsel in distress, as she’s earned a gold medal for taekwondo during her high school days.
Patalinjug can also play a mean tennis game. On top of her athletic skills, she also graduated valedictorian during her elementary and high school years.
Meanwhile, inheriting Angeli Gomez’s title of Mutya ng Pilipinas Tourism International was Glennifer Perido, 24, representing the Cordillera Autonomous Region. A registered nurse from Tabuk, Kalinga, Perido was crowned Miss Philippines-Air 2012 and competed at the Miss Tourism Queen of the Year International pageant in Jiangxi, China in 2011. A Binibining Pilipinas 2011 finalist, she was also named Best in Long Gown, Miss Rain or Shine and Miss Ivana Fragrances.
Early favorite Patrizia Bosco from the Filipino Overseas Community of Milan, Italy was adjudged Mutya ng Pilipinas Overseas Communities 2014. Bosco, whose mother hails from Iloilo, is a graduate of Tourism, Foreign Service and Languages in Muggio, Italy. She was also selected Darling of the Press, Miss Sheridan and Miss Confidence.
First runner-up and second runner-up honors went to Cristine Racel from Olongapo City and Kim Fyfe from Australia, respectively.
Other awardees were: Dorina Doerr, Miss Photogenic; Pauline Edralin, Miss Friendship, Mutya ng Pilipinas Choice Award Christina De Vries.
The 46th Mutya ng Pilipinas coronation, which was hosted by Christian Bautista, Bela Padilla and former Mutya ng Pilipinas title-holder Kristine Caballero, will be aired at 12 noon today over GMA-7, before “Sunday All Stars.”