Pretty mamas declare: ‘There’s more after marriage and motherhood’

CEBU, Philippines - My Pretty Mama, Cebu’s search for the “compleat” woman, is ready to select its second title-holder after a successful initial edition last year.

The beauty pageant, made open to all legally married mothers who are residents of Cebu City or from any municipality in the province of Cebu, aims to give moms their turn to stand out, and put on the spotlight their efforts as homemakers or career women.

In two formal screenings held last September 7 and 8 at Metro Gaisano Colon, 13 beautiful, physically fit mothers with ages 25-45 years old were selected to become official candidates. They will vie for the title during the coronation night on November 24.

The My Pretty Mama 2013 candidates are: Julianne Mae Feliciano Vera Cruz, Beverly Grace Namoca Ajihil, Mary Jane Reyes Cardoza, Jia Ivy Tabura Cabanero, Minnie Valderama Marante, Michelle Garces Nacua, Elnora Rose Celis Pepito, Ofelia Olayvar Paras, Charizza Marie Amante Delos Reyes, Jane Gemparo Bacus, Cherrie Marie Amante Delos Santos, Josephine Remorta Gorospe, and Ginevive Antigua Louw.

Gorospe, 30, said she joined the pageant because she believes there is a deeper meaning to such beauty contests. In this case, it is to show other mothers “that there is more in store for us outside the four walls of our homes.”

Bacus, for her part, does not want to limit her existence to work and family. “I joined My Pretty Mama because I believe I can do more beyond my profession as a teacher,” she said.

Ofelia Olayvar Paras, 35, said she wanted to challenge herself and at the same time, inspire other mothers to “continue beautifying themselves” despite the rigors that raising kids and nurturing a home brings.

A mother of seven and a practicing psychologist, 45-year-old Elnora Rose Celis Pepito shared how in her profession, she often encounters women who suffer from low self-esteem after getting married and having kids. She believes this should not be the case. “We can still enjoy life and be beautiful inside and out even with a family to take care of,” Pepito asserted.

Proof of how fun and memorable joining the My Pretty Mama pageant must be, one of last year’s finalists and the Best in Talent awardee decided to give it another go this year. Julianne Mae Feliciano Vera Cruz explained, “I want to increase my confidence and enhance my talents through the workshops that My Pretty Mama will hold for us. I joined last year, but I failed to make the top five. I decided to join again because I had such a memorable experience. I also want to voice out my advocacies in life, one of which is to help protect mothers and kids.”

According to organizers, a woman worthy of the My Pretty Mama crown must be “a mother, a wife, the epitome of womanhood in her family life and career. She is a role model for other women to emulate. She provides the strings that bond a family, building togetherness and nourishing closeness. She is an inspiration.”

Highlighting both their inner and outward beauty, My Pretty Mama also allows them to speak out their purpose in life and reward their daily mission of keeping family bonds strong and indestructible. Giving moms the opportunity to be exposed and to widen their horizons, My Pretty Mama 2013 will help them get involved in advocacies through the line-up of activities prepared, which aim to imbibe social awareness in each of them. 

Last year’s My Pretty Mama winner, Jessica Candelasa-Eribal, told the candidates that the local pageant will open many doors to its winner, as she herself has experienced. After winning the title, Eribal went on to join the national tilt of Mrs. Philippines Globe 2013, where she placed third runner-up. “This is just the beginning. The winner will have lots of exposure and might even have the chance to join national and international pageants,” she said.

Organized by Redfly Entertainment, Events and Promotions, My Pretty Mama 2013 will stage its Talents Night on November 16.

At stake for the grand winner is P50,000 worth of prizes.  (FREEMAN)