30 beauties vie for 48th “Mutya” tilt

By JAY PATAO Photos by Joselito Caleon

 AN impressive line-up of delegates from all over the Philippines and Filipino communities overseas vying for the 48th Mutya ng Pilipinas Pageant were presented to members of media at the newly-opened Hotel 101 Manila on Macapagal Ave. corner EDSA Extension, Pasay City yesterday. Wearing stylish two-piece swimsuits, the contestants are geared up to assist in promoting tourism, social responsibility, fashion and beauty.

The winners will represent the country in international pageants namely: Miss Asia Pacific International, Miss Tourism International and Tourism Queen of the Year International, and one special lady to be named as winner among the delegates from overseas Filipino communities. Mutya ng Pilipinas president Jacqueline Tan welcomed the delegates and enjoined everyone to follow this year’s journey which will take the candidates to Ilocos Norte and Palawan, among other tourist destinations. The Miss Asia Pacific International Pageant, begun in 1968 and in hiatus for more than a decade, will be re-launched and will see delegates from all over the world vying for the crown in October in Puerto Princesa City, Palawan.

Chosen as Darling of the Press at the meet was sportscaster Ganiel Akrisha Krishnan of Manila who received her sash and bouquet from reigning Miss Tourism Queen of the Year International Leren Mae Bautista and Mutya ng Pilipinas-Tourism International Janela Cuaton.

The 30 official contestants are: Lynette Bradford, Melbourne; Joanna Rose Niño Tolledo, Caloocan City; Cassandra Costales McDonald, Australia; Jannie Loudette Vicencio Alipo-on, Navotas City; Marah Olivan Muñoz, Parañaque City; Jessica Jane San Jose Morales, Pasig City; Thalia Joyce Nalda Coronico, Davao; Rose Ann de Jesus, Concepcion, Tarlac; Joanna Marie Naval Rabe, Zambales; Michelle Charlotte Thorlund, California; Rhancoise Marie Mayangitan, Pampanga; Mariel Debuayas Cartagena, Cebu; Mayu Eustaquio Murakami, Japan; Rodelyn de Leon, Aurora; Ann Lauren Rinono Ose, Scandinavia; Maeryhnella Umayam, United Kingdom; Petche Ann DahuyaVale, Bohol; Angela Villanueva Yagaya, Western Visayas; Neliza Bautista, Northern Mindanao; Jurice Carabello Encarnacion, Canada; Dianne Irish Joy Lacayanga, Paniqui, Tarlac; Rianne Charlotte Kalaw, Batangas; Kristen Karla de la Cruz, Zamboanga; Ace Dianne Paco Morales, Bataan; Mary Theresa Erna Gomez, Tarlac; Justin Mae Alcaide San Jose, Calabarzon; Marie Joyce Catacutan Marfori, Mabalacat City; Ganiel Akrisha Arun Krishnan, Manila; Renelyn Arinaza Deguit, Negros Island Region; and Ashley Nicole Smith Singh, Central Luzon. Pre-pageant events this year include the swimsuit competition at Sheridan Beach Resort and Spa in Puerto Princesa City on July 21; the long gown competition at Hannah’s Beach Resort and Convention Center in Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte on July 25; the regional costume competition on July 26. The grand coronation night will be held at Resorts World Manila’s Newport Performing Arts Theater on July 30 to be aired on ABS-CBN on July 31 at 10 AM.