2019 Mutya replaced by runner-up

MANILA, Philippines — Reigning Mutya ng Pilipinas Tyra Rae Florito Goldman’s bid to vie in the 2019 Miss Tourism International in Malaysia was rejected by the organizer due to citizenship issue. Only naturally-born in the country the delegates represent are allowed and no dual citizenship. Goldman represented the Filipino Community of Nevada in the Mutya search last Aug. 18.

“However, so as not to deprive Ms.Goldman of her opportunity to compete, we are presently studying possible options for her in other respectable international competitions. She is a gem of a beauty queen who can proudly and ably represent the Philippines,” said Mutya ng Pilipinas president Cory Quirino.

Instead, first runner-up Cyrille Dominguez Payumo (photo), 22, (a BS Tourism graduate from Holy Angel Academy in Angeles, Pampanga) will compete in the 22nd edition of the said pageant with finals set for Nov. 8 in Kuala Lumpur. She left last Oct. 23.

For the record, four Filipinas have been crowned Miss Tourism International ­— Peachy Manzano in 2000, the late Rizzini Alexis Gomez in 2012, Angeli Dione Gomez in 2013 and Jannie Alipo-on in 2017.