The celebrations of the 121st Philippine Independence Day organized by the Bayanihan Council in Abu Dhabi concluded with the highly anticipated annual beauty pageant, “Mutya ng Kasarinlan 2019” that puts the spotlight the Filipina’s beauty, brains, talent, and wits.
Lexandrea dela Cerna representing Philippine Institute of Civil Engineers (PICE) – UAE Chapter won the Mutya ng Kasarinlan 2019 title and was crowned by former Mutya ng Kasarinlan 2018 Monic Dayrit. Pauline Bielle Santillan who represented Society of Human Resource Professionals and Associates (SHRPA) won 1st runner up, while Camille Fabro who represented Filipino Community organizations in Al Ain got 2nd runner up. Abu Dhabi Filipino Volleyball Association (ADFIVA) representative Marcia Nicole Bautista and Philippine Nurses Association (PNA) – UAE Chapter representative Jenny Ann Maghari won 3rd and 4th runner up respectively.
In attendance were Ambassador Hjayceelyn Quintana, Consul General and First Secretary Maria Cynthia Pelayo, Consul Rowena Pangilinan-Daquipil, Vice Consul Von Ryan Pangwi, Labor Attache Alejandro Padaen, Assistant Labor Attache Jobo Magsaysay, Assistant Labor Attache Liwayway Ilo, together with other officials from the Philippine Embassy and the POLO-OWWA in Abu Dhabi.
The Mutya ng Kasarinlan 2019 event culminates the day-long activity of the 121st Philippine Independence Day celebrations organized by the Bayanihan Council in Abu Dhabi chaired by Elmer Casao and co-chaired by Ron Precilla.
Here is the list of winners for the Special Awards:
Miss Congeniality: Noliebel Sapida
Face of Bella Donna: Lexandrea dela Cerna
Best in Talent: Pauline Bielle Santillan
People’s Choice Award: Jenny Ann Maghari
Miss JCA Premiere: Pauline Bielle Santillan
Miss Panaderia Bakery: Pauline Bielle Santillan
Best in Production Number: Pauline Bielle Santillan
Best in Festival Costume: Pauline Bielle Santillan
Panel of judges included Engr. Ali Al Blooshi, Skyline University College Professor Dr. Sharon Mendoza-Dreisbach, Fashion Designer to the stars Harvey Cenit, TFT General Manager Vince Ang, phd Business Unit Director Roxane Negrillo, Khalifa University’s Margie Abedejos, and chaired by Spouse to Singapore Ambassador Alice Ho Tan.
The beauty contest, organized by the United Cebuanos Abu Dhabi Chapter and led by 2017 TFT Fashion Designer of the Year and United Cebuanos Abu Dhabi Chapter president Aldwin Jlo Ornopia, saw 15 lovely candidates vying for the crown with their supporters that filled the entire Abu Dhabi Breakwater Theatre for the evening gala event. All 15 candidates wore majestic gowns and lovely dresses created by Bella Donna COO Allen Villena with production numbers choreographed and directed by Egie Pepito “Kawaii “ Esma.
