CommArts student is Mutya ng Dabaw 2013

A COMMUNICATION Arts student from the University of the Philippines (UP) in Mindanao who believes that every Filipino can be an advocate of peace was crowned this year's Mutya ng Dabaw.

Nineteen-year-old Fila Guia G. Hidalgo, who is five-foot-six tall, emerged the fairest of them all during the coronation night at the Davao City Recreation Center last Saturday night.

All the five candidates were given the same question during the on-stage interview, which comprises the 20 percent of the total criteria.

They were asked what was the biggest contribution of the 1st Edsa revolt to Filipinos, as the country recently celebrated the 27th anniversary of the Edsa Revolution.

"The biggest contribution that the Edsa Revolution has given is that when time comes that we will be the next leaders of the country, we will always be reminded that there will always be a peaceful way of leading things. Through peace, there will always be freedom. And through freedom, there will always be justice," Hidalgo said.

"Every Filipino can be a hero. Every Filipino can inspire others and every Filipino can be an advocate of peace," added Hidalgo, who was also Miss Sun Cellular.

Czarina Rizel Marante, a 21-year-old senior nursing student of San Pedro College, is the first runner-up or the Diwa ng Davao. Miss Talent Kristine Angeli Estoque was the Sinag ng Dabaw (second runner-up).

Lery Stephanie Bautista, 23, a nursing graduate, and Angeline Nicole Morales, 20, an International Studies graduate, both products of Ateneo de Davao University, were crowned as the 3rd runner-up or the Pag-asa ng Dabaw and Patnubay ng Dabaw (4th runner-up), respectively.

Morales was chosen as Miss Photogenic and Bautista was Miss Smart Texters' Choice.

The criteria for judging include: closed-door interview (40 percent), community advocacy (20 percent), personality (20 percent), and on-stage interview (20 percent).

Hidalgo's advocacy is to promote the city's Solid Waste Management Program.

"Daghan nagaisip nga walay pulos o walay epekto ang pag segregate sa basura pero nagatuo gyud ko nga sa ginagmayng butang aduna tay mabuhat para sa environment," Hidalgo said in an interview.

She said she did not expect winning the crown, but she is just thankful for the people who supported her in her journey to Mutya ng Dabaw 2013.

"Sa tinuod lang abi nako nagadamgo lang ko ba. Bantog I really thank God ug sa tanan nituo sa akoa na kaya nako ni mabuhat. Para ni sa inyoha tanan, salamat kaayo," Hidalgo said.

Synergy of the Pilipinas Got Talent Season 3, Davao magician James Infiesto, and selected students of John Paul II College Of Davao entertained the audience with their mystic performances.

There was also a live streaming of the pageant at the City Hall steps and was aired live on SkyCable Channel 61.

Miss Universe 2010 fourth runner-up Venus Raj and Mikey Aportadera hosted the show.

Raj even sang “Rolling in the Deep” upon the request of the audience.