‘Most tedious’ Mutya search

MISS Press Favorite: Mutya Johanna Datul

The 2012 Mutya ng Pilipinas pageant attracted 17 aspirants from the provinces—one of the biggest batches that has joined in recent years.

Fashion designer Renee Salud, head of the pageant’s national search committee, said: “I’ve been all over the Philippines in previous Mutya editions, but this was the most tedious. Mas ginalugad namin ngayon ang mga probinsya at mga bayan-bayan.”

There are nine contestants from overseas Filipino communities. Only four ladies hail from the National Capital Region.

First woman president

These developments coincided with the assumption of the pageant’s first woman president, Jacqueline Tan, who is also the youngest to hold office at age 25.

“We are now seeing a new Mutya ng Pilipinas, under new management, fusing 44 years of tradition with youthful vibrance,” said Tan during the candidates’ presentation to the media recently at the Midas Hotel in Pasay City.

“We’re searching for a woman who will be an inspiration in promoting goodwill and tourism for the Philippines,” she added.

At the presentation, Mutya Johanna Datul from Isabela was chosen as Mutya Press Favorite, while Kaylee Calaguas from the United States’ West Coast bagged the Miss Photogenic award.

Rizzini Alexis Gomez from Cebu was hailed Best in Swimsuit in a separate preliminary event.

The 2012 Mutya ng Pilipinas coronation night will be held on August 18, 6 p.m. at the UP Theater in Quezon City, with a telecast on GMA 7 at 11 p.m. on the same date.