How long has it been since the most recent trip to Mati? With so many events happening, I can’t seem to match the dates with the events. But thanks to the memory feature of Facebook (FB), the photos posted in the past pop upon screen as reminder.
Case in point, thanks to FB, the most recent visit was during the Mutya ng Mati event three years ago, in June 18, 2014. I accompanied a Jackie D. who was one of the judges.
It was on the same date and event that I returned to Mati, but this time as a judge for the 2017 pageant.
Returning to Mati to be a judge this time
Pageant judges. BM District 1 DavOr, Dennis Roflo; Bb. Pilipinas-International 2015, Janicel Lubina; Dvo Councilor, Mabel Sunga; & model May Deaño.
This year’s Mutya ng Mati gathered fifteen ladies representing the different villages of the city. Intelligent, proud and confident would be appropriate to describe all the candidates.
The fifteen candidates vying for the 2017 Mutya ng Mati
But through all their strengths, five stood out with Barangay Central dominating the roster: Candidate 1 Martina Chelsea Cruz, Candidate 8 Ethel Louise Dupa, Candidate 10 Angeli Joanna Bangcuyo, Candidate 14 Vevey Gwayne Laylo; and one from Barangay Dahican, Candidate 11 Lucky Jeanelle Zamora.
The top 5 in their evening gown
Care for environment is the focus of this year’s pageant. It aligns with the latest environmental program of the City of Mati recently launched, the Solid Waste Integrated Management (SWIM), to sustain the city’s growth without degrading the environment.
The ladies were provided a good platform to share their thoughts and how they, as the young generation, an actively take part in creating a better future.
Even the “dreaded” Q&A was about the environment and it did not pose as a problem to these beauties. If it proved anything, it’s how knowledgeable and intelligent this batch truly is.
Pageant hosts Mutya ng Davao 2000, Leah May Luna, & Bap Petel
Ultimately, only one will take home the crown and this year’s Mutya ng Mati bagged the top slot with her confidence, charm and articulacy.
The moment of truth. Probably the most heart-thumping seconds in a beauty pageant candidate’s life
Perhaps it was candidate 8’s eloquent response to the question “Among the elements: water, air and fire, which one would you be most concerned with in relation to the present condition of our planet? Explain why?” shot her up the ranking.
“Among the elements I would choose water because I know that water is the most polluted and abuse element among the three. We all know a lot of countries now are facing drought and a lot of people are experiencing lack of potable water. That is why I know that we can do a lot of things to conserve water. Also, polluted water doesn’t only affect us human, it affects the environment and other creature in the planet. If we don’t act now, then when?”
The 2017 Mutya ng Mati, Ethel Louise Dupa, & her court: 3rd Runner-Up Martina Chelsea Cruz; 1st Runner-up Angeli Joanna Bangcuyo; 2nd Runner-up Jeanelle Zamora; & 4th Runner-up Vevey Gwayne Laylo.
With Bb. Pilipinas-International, Jenicel Lubina
Ethel Louise Dupa is Mutya ng Mati 2017 and she can certainly make a good ambassadress of the city and it’s programs. Congratulations Ethel, the city of Mati and the organizing committee of the beauty search.
City of Mati VIPs, First lady of Mati, Baby Rabat; City of Mati Mayor Carlo Rabat; & CM Chief of Staff, Tanya Tan.
Pageant guests: Col. Demi Sagala, Iñaki Sievert, Club President & GM of Mindanao Saga Flying Club, DILG Provincial Dir. Yvette Sunga & Luna Acosta.
For production value, I give it a 5/5 Apples.
Production value: 5/5 Apples
Going to Mati? Click here: WHEN IN MATI… Must Do, Must Stay tips.
Email me at jinggoysalvador@yahoo.com. For more lifestyle & travel stories, visit www.ofapplesandlemons.com & www.jeepneyjinggoy.com
Also published in the SunStar Davao newspaper.
