14 ladies vie to be Cebu’s bet at Mutya Pilipinas 2019

CEBU, Philippines — Following several screenings, 14 ladies who will vie to represent Cebu in the Mutya Pilipinas 2019 pageant were introduced by Cebu franchise director Lemuel Rosos in a press presentation held June 29 at the Amethyst Boutique Hotel.

Bright smiles from the candidates challenged the overcast Saturday afternoon weather as they all did their best to make a good first impression.

Hoping to be the next pride of Cebu are Binibining Cebu 2018 alums Mariah Gelina Lequin of Bogo City and Carneah Basmayor of Talisay City; Miss Mandaue 2019 candidate Karla Claudine Lasquite of Cordova; Shannara Eve Alob of Bantayan Island; Guia Moreno of Aloguinsan; Kaori Kaye Verallo and Hannah Steen Rosales of Liloan; Maria Angelica Pantaliano of Mandaue City; Khurly Continedo of Madridejos; Miss Mandaue 2018 top six finalist Frances Jade Pino and Jo-An Romo of Cebu City; Crystal Catalan and Hydie Sarcauga of Argao; and Shuvee Chrisna Etrata of Sta. Fe.

With Cory Quirino assuming the role of new Mutya Pilipinas President, the rebranded competition (formerly known as Mutya ng Pilipinas) is determined to find the unique beauty, charm, and compassion of the hometown girl as they scour the provinces and international communities.

For the Mutya Pilipinas Cebu candidates, a hometown girl is someone who is proud to be a member of her local community, ready to celebrate her people and share her culture to the rest of the country and the world. To them, a hometown girl – despite having seen much and travelled far – never forgets where she’s from, and remains a dreamer not only for herself but also her people.

“A hometown girl is the soul of her place because she embodies her culture and tradition. I celebrate being a hometown girl because I am very proud to bring the name of my place which is Argao, not just on the local and national [level] but also international,” 20-year-old Crystal Catalan said.

If she wins Mutya Pilipinas Cebu 2019, 18-year-old Frances Jade Pino said that she will promote Cebu “in a wider sense by starting within. A lot of people my age fail to realize how rich the culture of Cebu is, how great its people are, and how amazing our history is. I believe that by starting within the city, my house, my community… starting with its people and by being proud Filipinos ourselves.”

The ladies will compete in the usual swimwear, evening gown and Q&A segments on coronation night, slated to take place on July 11 at SM City Cebu, to be attended by Quirino who formerly led the Miss World Philippines pageant.

Organizers are open to the possibility of having more than one Cebuana bet to Mutya Pilipinas 2019, which is set to hold its finals on August 25. Winners will represent the country at Miss Asia Pacific International (a title currently held by the Philippines’ Sharifa Akeel), Miss Tourism International, and Miss Tourism Queen.

In recent years, Mutya has crowned four Cebuanas with major titles. The late Rizzini Alexis Gomez, hailed Mutya Ng Pilipinas-Tourism International 2012, went on to win Miss Tourism International in Malaysia. She was succeeded by Angeli Dione Gomez, who likewise came home from Malaysia with the Miss Tourism International 2013 crown.

In 2014, Eva Psychee Patalinjug was named Mutya Ng Pilipinas-Asia Pacific International. While no international pageant was held during her reign, the Lapu-Lapu City native continued to make a name for herself as she was crowned Binibining Pilipinas-Grand International 2018.

The latest Mutya winner from Cebu is Ilene Astrid Cañete de Vera of Mandaue City, crowned Mutya Ng Pilipinas-Asia Pacific International 2017. The Binibining Pilipinas 2019 candidate later on placed fourth runner-up in Miss Asia Pacific International 2017.

For its 51st edition, Mutya Pilipinas partnered with the Department of Interior and Local Government and SM Supermalls to conduct searches in Cebu, Bohol, Davao, Baguio, Pampanga, CALABARZON and NCR.