2010 Candidates Wow Crowd and Judges in Puerto Princesa Swimsuit Competition
For Immediate Release: Mutya ng PIlipinas Overseas Candidate, 20-year-old Christi Lynn “Ashley” McGarry, from the East Coast, USA won Best in Figure during the Preliminary Swimsuit Competition held at Sherdian Beach Resort and Spa on August 13, 2010. The honorable Mayor Edward S. Hagedorn of the city of Puerto Princesa presented the award on stage, along with National Pageant Committee Chair Ms. Tati S. Fortuna.
Rounding out the top five (in their city/province’s alphabetical order) were: 24-year-old Mutya ng Batangas Suzette Hernandez, 19-year-old Mutya ng Lapu-Lapu Sharon Grace Angel, 22-year-old Mutya ng Palawan Cindy Madduma, and 23-year-old Mutya ng Pangasinan Barbie Salvador.
“I’m overwhelmed,” Ashley said after winning the first award of the 2010 competitions. “I am extremely flattered and grateful for winning Best in Figure. I really want to thank FitFlops for providing such comfortable sandals and awarding me as Miss Fit!”
Sitting on the other side of the stage wasn’t an easy task either. Sheridan Beach Resort and Spa’s General Manager, David Poley, presided as one of the judges of the night’s competition. He said, “Judging the contestants for Best in Figure was difficult because all the ladies earned their place in the competition. Deciding on the winner from the five finalists was even more difficult.”
Ms. Pangasinan, Barbie Salvador, echoed the judge’s sentiment in how fierce the competition was for Best in Figure. “I was utterly surprised when my name got called in the Top Five,” she said. “Sure, I had hoped to be part of it, but it wasn’t expecting it because I could see that many of the girls were in their tip-top form.”
Samantha East, last year’s first runner-up winner, hosted the Preliminary Swimsuit Competition.
Sheridan Beach Resort and Spa hosted the delegates and guests for the days they stayed in Puerto Princesa. Mr. Poley said, “We were honored to be chosen as the venue for Mutya ng Pilipinas 2010 Swimsuit Competition. It is a rare opportunity to host this kind of event. We are glad to be able to showcase our eco-friendly, responsible and sustainable brand of tourism.”
The 24 Official Candidates were welcomed at a lunch banquet the previous day by the honorable Mayor Hagedorn at A&A Plaza in Puerto Princesa City proper, on August 12, 2010. The mayor wanted to bring more awareness to the host city and he was particularly proud of the accomplishments and natural wonders of Puerto Princesa, “We are blessed with natural wonders, but we have also instituted programs on various aspects of environmental conservation to promote cleanliness, peace and order, as well as hospitality and friendship of our people.”
Cindy Madduma, Puerto Princesa’s own bet for the pageant was very proud to show her fellow candidates the beauty of her hometown. Her personal motto reflects the attitude of her city: “Loving our soul is the key for a good and healthy life.”
The pageant hopefuls had a packed itinerary as they toured the major tourist sites of the “City of Natural Wonders.” One of the highlights of the trip was a sightseeing tour of the Puerto Princessa Subterranean River National Park (PPSRNP) before they departed for Manila on August 14th, 2010. History and geography enthusiasts should note that the “Underground River” was announced as one of the Top 28 nominees for the New 7 Wonders of Nature on July 21, 2009 in Zurich, Switzerland. In addition, the twenty-four ladies went on a tour and filmed AVP shoots in Baywalk and Ugong Rock.
The contestants were thankful to be wearing sandals from sponsor, FitFlops. Ms. Batangas, Suzette Hernandez, said, “I love FitFlops! I have a high arch and most flip-flops do not offer enough support, so my feet get sore after walking for a while.”
The rest of the preliminary competitions will be held at Resorts World Manila in Newport City, Pasay. Coronation Night will take place at the newly built Performing Arts Theater at Resorts World Manila on August 28th, 2010 at 8:00pm. The live show will air on national television on ABS-CBN on Sunday, September 5th, 2010 from 10:20pm – 12:30am.