CITY OF SAN FERNANDO -- Among the 21 young and beautiful women from the four districts of the province, Rica Gabriene David of the City of San Fernando was crowned as Mutya ning Kapampangan 2019.

David was hailed on Tuesday, December 10, during the coronation night as part of the 448th year Pampanga Day celebration at the Bren Z. Guiao Convention Center.

According to Second District Board Member Mylyn Pineda-Cayabyab, vice-chairperson of the pageant, events such as the Mutya ning Kapampangan are one of their ways to promote their culture to other provinces.

"Metung yang paralan ini para asulung taya ing kulturang Kapampangan (This is one way to promote Kapampangan culture)," she said.

David succeeded Mutya ning Kapampangan 2018 Maria Angela Robson, who represented Pampanga.

Robson brought home the first runner-up title in the recently held Miss Millennial 2019, organized by a noon-time television show in the country.

"I'm feeling overwhelmed and napakagrateful ko sa lahat ng sumuporta sa akin (I'm so grateful to everyone who supported me). They never left me, they never made me feel na mag-isa ako sa laban na 'to, and I'm really thankful," said David.

With her win, she expressed her willingness to be the next representative of the province in Miss Millennial 2020.

Next to David, Mary Ann Felker (Angeles City) was proclaimed as the first runner-up, followed by Rose Ann Pangilinan (San Luis) as second runner-up, Maria Ayssa Sarmiento (Porac) as third runner-up, and Kyle Celine Dorado (Mabalacat City) as fourth runner-up.

Meanwhile, Governor Dennis Pineda, chairperson of the Mutya pageant, thanked all the committee members and his co-chair and wife, former Sta. Rita Mayor Yolanda Pineda, for the time and effort in making the event possible and successful.

The panel of judges was composed of Johanna Datul, Miss Supranational 2013; Bea Rose Santiago, Miss International 2013; Rachel Peters, Miss Universe Philippines 2017; Maxine Medina, Miss Universe Philippines 2016; and Martin del Rosario, actor-model.

Also in the event were Board Members Olga Frances Dizon, Ananias Canlas, Nelson Calara, Pol Balingit, Benny Jocson, Moshe Lacson and Gabby Mutuc, as well as local chief executives and provincial department heads led by Administrator Charlie Chua, Provincial Legal Officer Gerome Tubig, Special Assistant to the Governor and Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Officer Angelina Blanco, among others.

The Mutya ning Kapampangan was formerly known as Miss Pampanga when it was initially launched in 1982. It was then institutionalized as part and parcel of the yearly observance of Pampanga Day celebration in 1986. (PR)