Former Mutya ng Pilipinas passes away at 25

MANILA, Philippines - 2012 Mutya ng Pilipinas-Tourism Rizzini Alexis Camilian Gomez (photo) died yesterday morning, Oct. 13 in Cordova, Cebu after losing her battle to lymphoma. She was 25.

Rizzini went on to compete in the 2012-’13 Miss Tourism International pageant in Sunway Resort & Spa in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia where she was crowned winner on Dec. 31, 2012 in a field of 56 candidates.

The beauty queen was a registered nurse who graduated magna cum laude from the University of Cebu. She was 2008 Miss Mandaue first runner-up to 2009 Miss Cebu Kris Tiffany Janson, 2010 Reyna ng Aliwan Festival Queen and a 2012 Miss World Philippines candidate. 

Rizzini is the daughter of former Alaska Ace basketball player Roehl Gomez. She was one of the beneficiaries of the Hoops For A Cause spearheaded by PBA legend Jojo Lastimosa, which featured Alaska, San Miguel Beer and Ginebra star players held on Oct. 9.