2018 Mutya ng Pilipinas winners crowned

MANILA, Philippines — Sharifa Areef Mohammad Omar Akeel, a Muslim teacher from Lebak, Sultan Kudarat (photo, center), was hailed as Mutya ng Pilipinas 2018, beating 49 other aspirants during the grand coronation night held at the Mall of Asia (MOA) Arena last Sept. 16.

Sharifa was crowned by outgoing titleholder Ilene de Vera and was assisted by Mutya ng Pilipinas, Inc. president Hemilyn Escudero-Tamayo, chairman of the Board Frederick Yuson and Miss Asia Pacific International, Inc. president Jacqueline Tan-Sainz.

The 21-year-old, 5’8’ tall Sharifa is a Bachelor of Elementary Education graduate of Notre Dame of Salaman College.

During the final question-and-answer round, Sharifa was asked by Tan-Sainz, “Pageants are now promoting beauty and diversity which is a great step towards inter-sectionality. What do you think about pageants that include more plus-size women and women from different religions?”

Sharifa replied: “I will set myself as an example of it. Because Mutya ng Pilipinas openly accepts me for who I am despite my religion. It only means that Mutya ng Pilipinas promotes diversity, beauty in diversity. And as a Mutya, I will continue the legacy of the past winners, queens and then promote it to the whole world that we have our unique beauty, despite our individual differences amid diversity. If there is one thing I learned from this pageant, it is that (a) beauty queen is not only looking for physical perfection but what’s inside you… your thoughts and your grace and the way you handle yourself, regardless of race and religion.”

Sharifa was also named Best in Long Gown, first runner-up Best in Terno, Mutya ng Zanea Shoes, one of the five Ambassadors of Air Travel and Tours, and Ms. Celeteque.

Hours after her victory, Sharifa joined the other 49 delegates competing for the 2018 Miss Asia Pacific International with finals set on Oct. 4 at the Newport Performing Arts Theater of Resorts World Manila.

With Sharifa (from left) were Kristine Micah Malicsi of Navotas (second runner-up), Jade Skye Roberts (Mutya ng Pilipinas-Overseas Communities), Keshapornam Ramachandran of Iloilo (Mutya ng Pilipinas-Tourism Queen of the Year International), Jualiane Fernandez of Taguig City (Mutya ng Pilipinas-Tourism International), Pauline Amelinckx of Bohol (Mutya ng Pilipinas-World Beauty Queen) and Mary Justine Teng (first runner-up).

The event was graced by former winners including Monaco Consul General Fortune Aleta-Ledesma, also one of the judges (Fortune was 1968 first runner-up to Jane de Joya, the first Mutya ng Pilipinas winner), Josefina Francisco-Lehman (1979), Rosemarie de Vera (1980), Gina Vinluan-Canilang (1987), Dana Narvadez-Silverio (1988), Josephine Canonizado (2000) and Darlene Carbungco (2001).