MGA NAGWAGI SA MUTYA NG PILIPINAS 2017. Mula kaliwa: 1st runner-up Angela Carla Sandigan, Mutya ng Pilipinas - Top Model of the World Hannah Khayle Iglesia, Mutya ng Pilipinas - Asia Pacific International Ilene Astrid de Vera, Mutya ng Pilipinas - Tourism International Jannie Loudette Alipo-on, Mutya ng Pilipinas - Overseas Filipino Communites Savannah Mari Gankiewicz, at 2nd runner-up Sofia Marie Sibug. (MB photo | JAY GANZON)

Ni ROBERT R. REQUINTINA

APAT na bagong beauty queens -- isang marketing officer, dalawang fashion model, at isang IT graduate – ang kinoronahan sa makulay at masiglang live show ng 49th Mutya ng Pilipinas beauty contest na ginanap sa Resorts World Manila sa Pasay City nitong nakaraang Biyernes ng gabi.

Ang mga nagawagi ay sina Ilene Astrid de Vera ng Cebu City, Mutya ng Pilipinas-Asia Pacific International; Jannie Loudette Alipo-on, Navotas, Mutya ng Pilipinas-Tourism International; at Hannah Khayle Iglesia, Isabela, Mutya ng Pilipinas-Top Model of the World.

Human-Interest

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Lalahok sila sa iba’t ibang prestihiyosong pageant sa ibang bansa, saad ng organizer.

Kinoronahan din si Savannah Mari Gankiewicz, isang model mula Hawaii, bilang Mutya ng Pilipinas-Overseas Filipino Communities.

Tinanghanl namang first-runner up si Angela Carla Sandigan ng Pateros at si Sofia Marie Sibug ng Albay bilang second runner-up.

Nagtapos si Ilene Astrid de Vera, 21, sa University of the Philippines Cebu ng Mass Communications at may tindig na 5’9”.

“I hope to become an inspiration to my fellow youth one day to pursue their dreams,” ani de Vera, na ngayon ay marketing officer sa isang real estate company.

Samantala, isinusulong naman ni Alipo-on, 25, ang adbokasiya ng pagkakaroon ng pantay na karapatan, partikular sa mga bata at may kapansanan.

“I am advocate for the protection and equal opportunities for people with disabilities especially children with autism. I think those who have less in life should have more in law,” pahayag niya.

Inamin naman ni Iglesia, 20, na biktima siya ng pambu-bully noong bata pa siya dahil sa kanyang social incapability at kanyang height.

“Little by little, I was able to go out of my comfort zone and learned to love my imperfections. I want to become an inspiration to everyone by teaching them to embrace their flaws,” ani Iglesia, na nagtapos ng Bachelor of Science in Information Technology sa Technological University of the Philippines.

Nasungkit ang special awards nina Angela Carla Sandigan ng Pateros, People’s Choice Award; Jannie Loudette Alipo-on, Camera Club of the Philippines Award; Sofia Marie Sibug, CWC International Award; Rian Fernandez, Best Designer, na isinuot ni Sandrianne Esquilona ng Tarlac; at Ilene Astrid de Vera ng Cebu.

Ang 30 kandidata ay nagpaligsahan sa swimsuit, evening gown at question-and-answer portion.

Naging highlight din ng koronasyon ang pagtatalaga kay Hemilyn Escudero-Tamayo bilang pinakabagong pangulo ng Mutya ng Pilipinas.

Itinataguyod ng prestihiyosong beauty pageant ang “beauty tourism.”