Former Bb. Cebu 2018 finalist vies for Mutya crown

CEBU, Philippines —  An 18-year-old Technical Vocational student is the lone Cebuana among 50 candidates in this year’s Mutya ng Pilipinas pageant.

 Maria Fe Loayon, who was supposed to represent the town of San Remigio in the upcoming Binibining Cebu pageant, gave up the latter when she was announced as an official finalist in this year’s Mutya. Loayon was among the 53 candidates who joined Binibining Cebu’s press presentation last August 24 at SM Seaside City Cebu.

According to Binibining Cebu executive assistant Natasha Manuel, Loayon decided to back out from Binibining Cebu since she first committed to Mutya ng Pilipinas.

 Celebrating its 50th year, this year’s Mutya ng Pilipinas pageant has four crowns at stake: Mutya ng Pilipinas-Miss Asia Pacific International, Mutya ng Pilipinas-Miss Tourism International 2018, Mutya ng Pilipinas- Miss Global Beauty Queen and Mutya ng Pilipinas-Miss Tourism Queen of the Year International.

 Last year’s major title holder, Mutya ng Pilipinas Ilene de Vera, hailed from Cebu City. She went on to place fourth runner-up to Brazil in last year’s Miss Asia Pacific International pageant held in Manila.

 The Mutya ng Pilipinas 2018 coronation will be held tonight at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City. –VAB