TWENTY-FOUR candidates were introduced Wednesday afternoon as the official bets of the upcoming Mutya ng Pilipinas 2010.
Held at the Maxims Rooftop Pool at the Resorts World Manila, the candidates were clad in black swimsuits representing various provinces and cities all over the archipelago.
The 24 candidates are: Suzette Hernandez (Batangas), Carla Lizardo (Bicol), Ma. Tanchellie Lobete (Bogo, Cebu), Aileen Ella Dango (Bohol), Katherin Tapang (Bulacan), Shihan Go (Caloocan City), Karen Fatima Montanez (Cebu City), Christi Lynn McGarry (East Coast USA), Christine Marasigan (Guiguinto City), Rochelle Cadiente (Laguna), Sharon Grace Angel (Lapu Lapu City, Cebu), Dominique Ignacio (Makati City), Cheenie Sy (Malolos City), Carolyn Ty (Manila), Ronalyn Raymundo (Marilao), April Mendoza (Mid-West USA), Jhayne Anne Mundo (Olongapo City), Ruthy Katherine Tanquenco (Pampanga), Barbie Salvador (Pangasinan), Cheysen Capuno (Palawan), Cindi Madumma (Puerto Princesa), Aarianne Camille Baconawa (Quezon City), Kim de Guzma (Subic Bay), and Anne Gabriella (Vigan).
This year organizer, Scribbleworks Production Incorporated, through the direction of Tati Fortuna, hopes to elevate the pageant in a higher level.
"We want to transform the organization and make it the most prestigious beauty pageant in the country," said Fortuna, citing this year's theme "Viva Pilipinas: Celebrating the Beauty of the Philippines and the Filipino woman."
During the launching, a fashion show featuring the creations of Charina Sarte took place.
The contestants will visit Puerto Princesa on August 13 where the swimsuit competition will be held at the Sheridan Beach Resort and Convention Center.
Pre-judging is scheduled on August 23 at the Marriot Hotel while the Long Gown Competition will be held at the Atrium of Resorts World Manila the next day.
MANILA. The 24 contestants that will compete in this year's Mutya ng Pilipinas Beuty Pageant. (Glaiza Jarloc)
The Coronation night will be held at New Port Theater of Resorts World Manila on August 28.
This year's winner will represent the Philippines in international competitions such as Ms. Tourism International, Ms. Asia-Pacific, Miss Intercontinental, Top Model of the World and Miss Tourism Queen of the year.
Mutya ng Pilipinas was established in 1986 to promote "beauty tourism" as its main platform to further advance the Philippines' image as a beauty center of Asia. (Glaiza Jarloc/Sunnex)