FOUR new beauty queens – a marketing officer, two fashion models, and an IT graduate – were crowned during the 49th Mutya ng Pilipinas beauty contest in a colorful and lively show held at Resorts World Manila in Pasay City last Friday night.
The winners are Ilene Astrid de Vera of Cebu City, Mutya ng Pilipinas – Asia Pacific International; Jannie Loudette Alipo-on, Navotas, Mutya ng Pilipinas – Tourism International; and Hannah Khayle Iglesia, Isabela, Mutya ng Pilipinas – Top Model of the World.
They will compete in various prestigious pageants abroad, organizers said.
Savannah Mari Gankiewicz, a model from Hawaii, was named Mutya ng Pilipinas – Overseas Filipino Communities.
First runner-up honors went to Angela Carla Sandigan of Pateros; and Sofia Marie Sibug, Albay, second runner-up.
De Vera, 21, finished school with a degree in Mass Communications at the University of the Philippines Cebu. She stands 5’9.
“I hope to become an inspiration to my fellow youth one day to pursue their dreams,” said De Vera, who now works as a marketing officer for a real estate company.
Alipo-on, 25, said that she advocates equal opportunities, particularly for kids.
“I am advocate for the protection and equal opportunities for people with disabilities especially children with autism. I think those who have less in life should have more in law,” she said.
Iglesia, 20, said that she was bullied in her younger years because of her social incapability and her height.
“Little by little, I was able to go out of my comfort zone and learned to love my imperfections. I want to become an inspiration to everyone by teaching them to embrace their flaws,” said Iglesia, who graduated with the Bachelor of Science in Information Technology at the Technological University of the Philippines.
Winners of special awards presented during the event were Angela Carla Sandigan of Pateros, People’s Choice Award; Jannie Loudette Alipo-on, Camera Club of the Philippines Award; Sofia Marie Sibug, CWC International Award; Rian Fernandez, Best Designer, worn by Sandrianne Esquilona of Tarlac; and Ilene Astrid de Vera of Cebu. (Robert R. Requintina)
