After a month of rigorous trainings, personality development, and arduous preparations, the Mutya ng Kasarinlan 2018 culminated in a gala coronation evening attended by officials from the Philippine Embassy, as well as the Filipino community leaders, members and residents of Abu Dhabi and the UAE.
Out of the 12 candidates, Ma. Querobin “Monic” Dayrit from the United Architects of the Philippines (UAP) won the hearts of the judges with her beauty, charm, and impressive answer for the question and answer portion. When asked about what would Jose Rizal’s hashtag would be if he’s still alive, Dayrit answered: “If Jose Rizal was still alive, his hashtag would be, #MahalinAngSarilingWika. We notice that too many Filipinos and even children are speaking in English and other foreign languages. We (are) slowly losing our love for our native language. Remember what Jose Rizal said – ‘Ang hindi marunong magmahal sa sariling wika ay higit sa hayop at malansang isda.’”
Geleene Rayo of Society of Human Resource Professionals and Associates (SHRPA) won 1st runner up and Allyssa Jane Isana of the Institute of Electronics Engineers of the Philippines followed as 2nd runner up. Kate Glydel Monleon of the Shades of Pink Society and Diana Molina from the Overseas Filipino ISO Auditors (OFISOA) came in 3rd and 4th runner-up, respectively.
The other awardees were as follows:
– Ms. Philippine Airlines – Kate Glydel Monleon – Shades of Pink
– Ms. Universal Hospital – Kate Glydel Monleon – Shades of Pink
– Face of Bella Donna – Jenny Domingo – Filipino Learning Organization (FLO)
– Ms. Friendship – Geleene Rayo – SHRPA
– Ms. Photogenic – Diana Molina – OFISOA
– People’s Choice Award – Trina Kieth Castro – United Women Ballers Association (UWBA)
– Best in Production No. – Ma. Querobin Dayrit – UAP
– Best in Festival Costume – Ma. Querobin Dayrit – UAP
– Best in Little Black Dress – Geleene Rayo – SHRPA
– Best in Evening Gown – Geleene Rayo – SHRPA
– Best in Talent – Diana Molina – OFISOA
The Mutya ng Kasarinlan 2018 was organized by United Cebuanos – Abu Dhabi chapter with their president, TFT 2017 Fashion Designer of the Year Aldwin Jlo Ornopia together with Event Director Egie “Kawaii” Esma, as well as the United Cebuanos members. The Mutya ng Kasarinlan 2018 was one of the events held during the Philippine Independence Day Celebrations 2018 in Abu Dhabi spearheaded by the Bayanihan Council in Abu Dhabi in cooperation with the Philippine Embassy in Abu Dhabi.
Maeza Lalu – Equality – MnK 2018 Hashtag Q & A
Geleene Rayo – Philippine Heroes – MnK 2018 Hashtag Q & A
Heroes – MnK 2018 Final 5 Q & A
Glenn Guadaquiver – Women Empowerment – MnK 2018 Hashtag Q & A
Alyssa Isana – Education – MnK 2018 Hashtag Q & A
What do you think is the legacy of Filipinos here in the UAE? – MnK 2018 Final 5 Q & A
Jecil Geolina – Inspiration – MnK 2018 Hashtag Q & A
Kate Monleon – Philippine Festivals – MnK 2018 Hashtag Q & A
What would you like OFWs to be liberated from? – MnK 2018 Final 5 Q & A
Diana Molina – Freedom – MnK 2018 Hashtag QandA
If your child will be an OFW, what trait would you like her/him to have?
Liezel Pedrique – Dignity – MnK 2018 Hashtag Q & A
Monic Dayrit – Social Media – MnK 2018 Hashtag Q & A
If Jose Rizal was alive, what would his hashtag be and why? – MnK 2018 Final 5 Q & A
Trina Keith Castro – Leadership – MnK 2018 Hashtag Q & A
Jenny Domingo – Self Confidence – MnK 2018 Hashtag Q & A
Jessa De La Pena – Inner Beauty – MnK 2018 Hashtag Q & A
