Pinay named Grandma Universal in Bulgaria pageant

MANILA, Philippines - A 48-year-old widow from Alabang, Muntinlupa was crowned as the first Grandma Universal in Sofia, Bulgaria, beating over a dozen grandmothers around the world.

Babylyn Decena Newfield also bagged the best national costume award during the pageant held last Jan. 21.

Newfield heads Cartridge World Philippines, a global firm that manufactures ink and toners for distribution here and abroad. She has four children and four grandchildren.

Dony Vasileva of Bulgaria was crowned overall Mrs. Grandma Universe.

Newfield said she was handpicked by pageant guru Ovette Ricalde to compete in the first annual pageant for grandmothers.

“Being an ideal grandmother is not all about taking care of your grandchildren but also showing other people and the universe that we, at our age, can still be competitive in every goal and objectives that we will set in life, whether personal or professionally,” Decena said upon arrival at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport from Bulgaria via Qatar airways.

“I will be the voice of all grandmothers. They said that grandmothers have no equality and opportunity compared to the younger generations. We will work hard… patience and determination are secrets in life that make us successful.

“When my husband passed away, I assumed the role of sole parent to my children. I went through adjustment because I also have a business to run and that is our daily bread and butter. Being a mother, grandmother and a business woman, it was really hard but with the help of my associates, peers and inspiration from my family, I was able to pull it through,” she added.