Team Cebu readies for Mutya Pilipinas 2019

CEBU, Philippines — Out of 13 hopefuls, the first search for Mutya Pilipinas Cebu saw the victory of not one but three Cebuanas who earned a shot at representing their hometowns in this year’s Mutya Pilipinas pageant.

Maria Angelica Pantaliano, 20, Mariah Gelina Laxa Lequin, 20, and Karla Claudine Salvador Lasquite, 25, will be competing at Mutya Pilipinas 2019 following their performances during the July 11 finals at the Northwing Atrium of SM City Cebu.

Remaining true to their promise of really getting to know the women of the country, Mutya Pilipinas President Cory Quirino and Mutya Pilipinas Chairman Fred Yuson graced the affair to judge the Cebu candidates themselves.

“The judges could not make up their minds,” said Quirino, who scored the candidates alongside Yuson, Christian Bacus, Nonoy Tirol, Joel Salahuddin, Jose Soberano III, Antonio Jimenez, and Arlene Florentino.

While the trio admitted that joining the nationals would be a tough challenge knowing that Gazini Ganados of Cebu just won Miss Universe Philippines, they are also eager to begin the next step towards becoming a Mutya which will begin later this month.

“Maybe this is my calling and my time,” Pantaliano of Mandaue City said. This is her second shot at the pageant. Last year, the Business Administration fresh graduate, who majored in Marketing Management from the University of San Carlos, screened for Mutya but did not make the cut.

This time, Pantaliano – a Miss Mandaue 2018 Fitness and Talent Awardee and Miss Bikini Philippines 2017 Top 10 finisher – dominated the Mutya Pilipinas Cebu 2019 search as she nabbed awards for Best in Production Number, Best in Resort Wear and Best in Evening Gown.

“I wasn’t expecting. We are very competitive and beautiful, and knowing the judges…it was quite overwhelming,” she said. “Hopefully with the experience I’ve gained through the years, I will eventually win and bring home the crown for Cebu.”

Pantaliano, who talked about her resiliency during the Q&A, is aiming for the Mutya Pilipinas-Asia Pacific International crown, inspired by her fellow Mandauehanon, Ilene Astrid De Vera, who won the title in 2017.

Just like Pantaliano, Lequin of Bogo City wants the Mutya Pilipinas-Miss Asia Pacific International title, saying she “won’t settle for less.” The Binibining Cebu 2018 candidate is determined to make the most out of her upcoming tilt, which will be her first national competition.

“I feel so happy. I tried a lot of pageants before. Oh my gosh! I finally made it to Manila to join a national pageant! This is one my biggest dreams, and I’m finally making them happen,” said Lequin, an incoming second year Political Science student from the University of San Carlos.

“I will give it my all. No worries. I will do my best and make Cebu proud.”

Lequin talked about the makings of a real beauty queen during the Q&A, explaining that a crown is not a “mere representation of victory” but also a symbol of service to her people.

Lasquite of Cordova, meanwhile, has her eyes on Mutya’s newest title – the World Top Model Philippines – since modelling is her passion.

“I want to go to Monaco, Milan and Paris. I want to join international fashion shows. That’s really my dream,” said the Miss Mandaue 2019 candidate who began modelling since she was 18.

“I’m so happy. Miss Mandaue was not for me, but right now, I feel so blessed because I am one of the Cebuanas who will be sent to the nationals. I will train very hard to ensure victory.”

Mutya Pilipinas 2019 is Lasquite’s national comeback following her Miss Bikini Philippines stint in 2014. During her Q&A last Thursday, she talked about promoting her advocacy of fighting for the rights of underprivileged children should she become a Mutya Pilipinas contender.

Mutya Cebu Director and Cebuano fashion designer Lemuel Rosos was pleased with the results of the grand screening.

“I think Madame Cory was able to see potential in those girls. Cebu should be in full force. Their [candidates] handlers, of course our team…so by the time they will be in Manila, we will be a team to beat,” he said.

The five crowns at stake in the 51st edition of Mutya Pilipinas are Mutya Pilipinas-Asia Pacific International, Mutya Pilipinas-Tourism International, Mutya Pilipinas-Tourism Queen of the Year International, Mutya Pilipinas-Overseas Communities, and World Top Model Philippines.

Coronation night is on August 18 at the Mall of Asia Arena.