THE quest for the most beautiful Angeleña culminated with the crowning of the new set of Mutya ning Angeles (MNA) royalties, November 17 at the Angeles University Sports and Cultural Center.
Eighteen-year old lass Mary Ann Felker who hails from Barangay Pulungbulu bested 13 other candidates vying for the most coveted crown during the finals night. Felker is also the reigning Reyna ning Las Flores delos Angeles crowned during the Heritage Month celebration, here.
In her Facebook account, Felker thanked the MNA organizing committee and all the people who have painstakingly supporting her throughout her MNA journey.
“To the MNA Organization, Angeles City Tourism Office, and the Angeles City Government, thank you for allowing us to prove to everybody that Angeleñas are more than beautiful faces. [That we] also possess the heart and willingness to serve the community by being the ambassadors of the city,” Felker posted.
“Thank you for taking care of us and treating us as your daughters. So on behalf of all the MNA 2018 candidates, thank you so much and may God bless you abundantly,” the new queen said.
Felker has been consistent in her intention on raising awareness about Mental Health during the competition. Also in Facebook, she posted, “I hope that my advocacy on mental health awareness will come to life and I hope you will all be there to support me as we all fight for the sake of those who are being mentally disturbed”.
Meanwhile, Tourism Officer John Montances opened the program with an inspiring story of Neil Armstrong where he attributed his perseverance to that of the MNA candidates. Montances also congratulated all the candidates whom he considers "gems of Kapampangan culture of beauty, charm, and intelligence."
“This year's batch of candidates are beyond doubt the best to represent each of their respective barangays. What we are looking for is an Angeleña who will be epitomizing the characteristics of Kapampangan beauty," the tourism officer said.
For his part, Mayor Edgardo Pamintuan, who was named “Father of Mutya ning Angeles” during the pageant’s silver anniversary last year, expressed his congratulations to the winners.
The mayor urged the MNA royalties to uphold the ideals of modern and empowered Angeleñas who will advocate for the city’s tourism, arts, culture, and heritage legacies.
“We have come to an age where pageants are more than parade of beauties and bodies, but avenues for young lasses across the city to raise their platforms that are pro-people, pro-development without sacrificing the interests of the city and its citizens,” said the mayor.
Joining Felker’s court are Myrna Esguerra of Barangay Anunas as MNA Tourism, Valerie T. Byczko of Barangay Cutcut as MNA Youth Ambassador, Ma. April Miranda of Barangay Mining as first runner-up, Lyra Kamille Escalante of Barangay San Jose as second runner-up, Sean Myra Patricia Bondoc of Barangay Capaya as third runner-Up.
Judging this year’s edition of MNA are Kapamilya actor Gab Lagman, lawyer Erika Ana Andrea Jimenez-Nepomuceno, multi-awarded production designer Gino Gonzales, Mister International 2018 Alessio Constantini, Filipino Super Model Runner-up Jasmin Maierhofer, Bb. Pilipinas 2017 Finalist Sirene Sutton, and Home Builders Corporation CEO Olive Oteyza.
Felker will be the official candidate of the city to the Mutya ning Kapampangan beauty pageant in 2019.
Fitting tribute to Angeleño designers
This year’s edition of MNA has placed pride for Kapampangan designers in the limelight.
A special portion during the coronation night was dedicated to pay tribute to Angeleño designers who made big waves in the national fashion gala, the TernoCon2018.
Tourism Board Chairperson and City First Lady Herminia Pamintuan and City College of Angeles President Dr. Richard Daenos accorded certificates of recognition to Marlon Tuazon and Frederick Policarpio, who have exemplified their creativity and artistry in the nationwide fashion gala.
Their achievement in the national fashion realm qualifies them to Angeles City’s Pupul ning Banua Awards for the year 2019. (PR)