For Immediate Release: 24 Candidates competed in front of a packed audience at the newly opened Grand Theater in Resorts World Manila (RWM) on August 28, 2010.
Mutya ng Pilipinas 2010, “Viva Pilipinas”, was the first event ever held in the beautifully designed venue where 23-year-old, Barbie Salvador from Pangansinan took home the top honors of night and will represent the Philippines in the prestigious Miss Tourism International pageant next year.
A top-5 finisher in both the preliminary Swimsuit Competition held at the Sheridan Beach Resort & Spa in Puerto Princesa and Long Gown competition held in RWM, Barbie, as she is called by those close to her, is no stranger to the spotlight having worked as a model / events host before she joined this year’s pageant. Barbie however, is not just a pretty face, but an academic and entrepreneur as well. She graduated from Ateneo de Manila University in 2008 with a degree in Communications and has since started her own business supplying photo booths to various events around Metro Manila.
“I’m shocked!” she said humbly after the competition. With a big smile, she goes on to say, “I honestly didn’t think I would win but am so happy that did!”
It was indeed Barbie’s night as she was also presented with the L’Oreal Paris and Resorts World special awards to complement her title.
The arduous task of cutting the 24 contestants down to the top-5 rested entirely on the panel on esteemed judges, who included: Luca Fornari (Italian Ambassador to the Philippines), Christian Meerschman (Belgium Ambassador to the Philippines), Robby Carmona (Director and Founder of Saga Events Inc.), Rajo Laurel (Noted Fashion Designer), Sari Yap (President / CEO of the Mega Publishing Group and Editor in Chief of MEGA Magazine), Angel Aquino (Actress / Model), Babes Romualdez (Philippine Star Editor), Mikaela Lagdameo (Model / Actress / Fashion Icon), Chris Nelson (President of Philip Morris Philippines), Tati Fortuna (Managing Director of ScribbleWorks Production Inc., Mutya ng Pilipinas Pageant Committee Chair and Chairman of the Board of Judges) and A-List celebrity and Actor, Derek Ramsey.
The remaining two crowns were awarded to 20-year Mutya ng Bicol candidate, Carla Lizardo and 20-year-old Mutya ng East Coast USA candidate, Christi Lynn “Ashley” McGarry who will both go on to compete in their respective international pageants, Miss Intercontinental and Miss Asia Pacific.
Carla, a varsity badminton player currently studying at Ateneo de Manila University, was likewise surprised with the success she had in the pageant, as it was the first one she had ever joined. Dressed in an elegantly designed Frederick Peralta creation, Carla became a front-runner when she won the preliminary long gown competition held on August 24th, a title which was officially awarded to her on coronation night.
Ashley on the other hand was one candidate expected by the many pageant enthusiasts to take home a crown. Standing 5’10’’ and the former Miss Teen Philippines-USA, Ashley was awarded Fitflop Best in Figure and was automatically crowned Slimmer’s World Miss Bikini Philippines 2010. The most decorated candidate of the night, she also took home the Discovery Suites and Resorts World special awards.
In addition to the prizes already awarded, the top three winners will be featured in a six page Fashion Editorial in MEGA Magazine.
Rounding out the top five were: 1st runner up, 24-year-old, Mutya ng Batangas, Suzette Hernandez, and 2nd runner up, 19-year-old, Mutya ng Lapu-Lapu, Sharon Grace Angel.
Suzette was considered a favorite throughout the entire competition having finished in the top-5 in both the preliminary Swimsuit and Long Gown competitions. Hailing from Canada, she is student who frequently graces the pages of Vancouver’s most widely distributed fashion magazines and has participated as a model in Vancouver Fashion Week for the past three years.
Suzette said, “I was just happy to have the opportunity to compete on such a grand stage,” when asked about here thoughts regarding the pageant. She goes on to say, “I would have liked to have won but am grateful for the experience Mutya has given me.”
Sharon was also thankful for the experience and friendships she developed. A third year college student from Cebu, Sharon’s previous work as a part-time model paid off when she was awarded Miss Photogenic and chosen to represent the Philippines in the Top Model of the World competition being held later this year in China.
Remaining special awards were presented to: Mutya ng Manila, Carolyn Ty (Best in Cultural Photo and Resorts World Award), Mutya ng Pampanga, Ruth Katherine Tanqueco (Miss Congeniality) and Mutya ng Bogo City, Tanchelline Lobete (Maybelline New York Award).
Mutya ng Pilipinas, “Viva Pilipinas” was nothing but spectacular captivating the audience from start to finish with beautiful women and special performances by internationally decorated hip-hop dance group The Philippine All Stars, The Power Trio acrobats, hula hoop artist, Yulia, and R&B group One Nation Eternally (O.N.E) who sang their hit singles, Mainit and Translations.
Produced at such high standards, this year’s competition will undoubtedly elevate the level of quality for all future pageants alike.
Mutya ng Pilipinas “Viva Pilipinas” was hosted by u92 DJ and model, Sarah Meier, RJ Ledesma and Phoemela Baranda, and will air on national television on ABS-CBN on Sunday, September 5th, 2010 from 10:30PM – 12:30PM.