Cory Quirino promises ‘revived, revitalized, rejuvenated’ Mutya ng Pilipinas pageant

Mutya ng Pilipinas President Cory Quirino and reigning Mutya ng Pilipinas Klyza Castro. Image: Philippine Daily Inquirer/Armin P. Adina

MANILA, Philippines—The Mutya ng Pilipinas pageant last staged a coronation program in 2019, and took a “pandemic pause” in 2020 and 2021. And the organizers are telling the people that this year’s edition will be worth the wait.

“Expect a revived, revitalized, and rejuvenated Mutya ng Pilipinas. The search has resulted in 40 candidates,” Mutya ng Pilipinas President Cory Quirino told the Inquirer at the sidelines of the press presentation held at Citadines Bay City Manila in Pasay City on Nov. 23.

She said the pageant’s break because of the COVID-19 pandemic made the organization reassess it priorities and its focus. “Our queens must be more aware, alert, and involved. So we have embraced, this year, sustainability and inclusivity,” she shared. To highlight its new thrust, the pageant has partnered with the cities of Dasmariñas and Silang in Cavite, citing the sustainability projects of both local government units.

But the national pageant will continue to support the Tuloy Street Children Foundation, Quirino clarified. “That street children shelter is really a home for sustainability. So our queens are going to plant with Fr. Rocky [Evangelista] and the street kids,” she said.

Quirino also mentioned that Mutya ng Pilipinas will still champion ecotourism by partnering with Dapitan City and Dakak Beach Resort. “We are embracing our environment, but also the beauty of our tourism and the wonders of the Philippines,” she said.

This year, the national pageant will award four titles—Mutya ng Pilipinas 2022, Mutya ng Pilipinas-Tourism International, Mutya ng Pilipinas-World Top Model, and Mutya ng Pilipinas-Overseas Communities.

The runners-up will also receive special titles—Mutya ng Pilipinas-Luzon, Mutya ng Pilipinas-Visayas, and Mutya ng Pilipinas-Mindanao—like what was practiced in the pageant’s earlier years.

The 2022 Mutya ng Pilipinas pageant will stage its coronation night at the FilOil EcoOil Center in San Juan City on Dec. 4. Klyza Castro and the rest of her 2019 batch of winners will relinquish their crowns.  /ra

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