2 former ABS-CBN Cebu hosts vie in My Pretty Mama 2014

Hey lady, you, lady, cursin’ at your life

You’re a discontented mother and a regimented wife

I’ve no doubt you dream about the things you never do…

Those lines from American singer Charlene’s 80s hit “I’ve Never Been To Me” talk of a desperate wife and mother “who would like to trade her prosaic existence for the jet setting lifestyle the song’s narrator has led.”

Some candidates of My Pretty Mama 2014, and even previous participants of the Cebu-based beauty pageant, openly admit they went through that phase of thinking marriage and motherhood would be the “end of the line” for them.

This especially rang true for the ladies who unexpectedly got pregnant. It was the thought of putting their lives on hold to take care of a baby and pour one’s entire time for the family that had a few of  these ladies mourning the end of their singlehood.

Of course, these beautiful women later on overcame that feeling, after discovering the priceless joys and fulfillment that motherhood brought. In fact, many of them state that one huge motivation for them in joining My Pretty Mama is to show to other moms that it definitely isn’t the end of a fun, productive and fulfilling life once they become wives and mothers.

They hope to serve as inspiration that motherhood shouldn’t mean bidding goodbye to whistle-bait figures and a healthy lifestyle. Or that being a Mama shouldn’t be a hindrance of chasing after dreams of wearing a crown and be rightfully called a beauty queen.

A first beauty pageant of its kind in Cebu, My Pretty Mama allows mothers their turn in the spotlight (or a second wind, for some) and showcase their beauty, talents and their efforts as homemakers or career women.

My Pretty Mama is the search for the complete woman: a mother, a wife, and an epitome of womanhood. She is a role model for other women to emulate, and provides the strings that bond and nurture a family.

Apart from being a beauty tilt showcasing beauty, My Pretty Mama also requires its candidates to be involved in advocacies and charities close to their heart. They are also made to undergo workshops in singing, dancing, modeling, grooming and acting.

Now on its third year, My Pretty Mama has expanded to include aspirants from other regions, including Bacolod, Leyte and Bohol.

The 16 candidates were unveiled recently in a press launch held at Metro Gaisano Colon organized by Redfly Entertainment Events and Promotion. Vying for the 2014 crown are: Susan Bacasmas, Levanie delos Santos, Izzie Loberanes, Florence May Espina, Jinkee Regidor, Catherine Gabronino, Czarina Cheloe Ylaya, Mary Jane Cardoza, Madonna Caballo, Em-Em Hann, Lorie Santillan, Ghanie Macabugwas, Fatima Pepito, Kristel Gay Pangase, Pamela Gabi and Corazon Russel.

Czarina Chloe Ylaya –a former Miss Cebu runner-up who used to appear in ABS-CBN Cebu as a host and actress – is one of the most polished of the batch, having had previous experience with pageants during her single days. Another 2014 candidate, Catherine Gabronino, also previously served as host of ABS-CBN Cebu.

My Pretty Mama 2014’s Talent Night will be on October 25 at J Centre Mall Atrium, where candidates promise “an explosion of suppressed talent.”

The grand coronation night is scheduled on November 22 at the Elizabeth Mall Theater. – VAB (FREEMAN)