RENELYN Deguit, 18, of Ayungon town in Negros Oriental, was the first ever queen during the inaugural search and coronation of Mutya ng Pilipinas Negros Island Region at SMX Convention Center in Bacolod City, Saturday night.
The beauty queen of Ayungon bested 11 other Mutya contestants and was even declared as “Best in Long Gown” and “Miss Photogenic” during the finals night.
Being the host of the pageant allowed me to check on the personalities of the girls backstage and during the sidelights of the competition. Predicted as an early stunner by the bloggers, the media and pageant coaches, she looks a little shy off stage and transforms as a beauty pageant veteran during the many segments of the competition.
A national coach who was seated as among the judges underscored how she "carries herself with so much charisma, humility and a kind of queenly presence that remains irresistible and fun to watch," thus, earning her another title to add in the long list of her pageant diary.
A self-confessed nature lover and wanderlust, Renelyn was adjudged 2nd runner-up in the Miss Negros Oriental 2015 and earned numerous experiences in her exposure during these tilts she handled with grace: Miss Jimalalud 2016, Miss Negros College 2013, Miss Ayungon 2014, Miss Pandanyag 2016, Miss Luca 2015, Reyna ng Aliwan 2016.
Mutya ng Pilipinas, known for its tourism efforts and advocacy, will surely give the town of Ayungon its much needed boost to increase the influx of its local and international tourists alike. But surely, it’s not a tough job for the national organizing team because Ayungon is known for many of its natural wonders.
Among its many treasures are vast banana and pineapple plantations, Insta-ready bird sanctuaries, the majestic caves of Mabato and our local version of Pagsanjan, which is the Pagsalsalan Twin Falls. Off my list of targets is to enjoy the migratory birds flying in distinct choreography in Karalaon, a protected site that serves as habitat for many winged creatures dropping off the northern tip of Oriental Negros during migration season.
Meanwhile, the inaugural search proved that it is rightfully owning the regional title for a 48-year-old beauty pageant that is Mutya ng Pilipinas. The team of official franchise holder Michelle Pauline Gasataya Purvis and ace pageant director Eduardo Pillora proved to be a perfect fit after staging a classic act worth emulating in the localities.
It also highlighted the musicality of the Central Philippine Adventist College Chamber Orchestra through playing Visayan folk songs during the first part of the program. Worth noting, it was a magical experience through quick changes and fast paced production that kicked off with the swimwear feat.
The national organizers served as judges and even stripped off the contestants from makeup in a closed door deliberation hours before the show. This proves the kind of commitment and dedication they put in for Mutya as home of beautiful Filipinas, ready to take on the challenges of international tilts.
Mutya ng Pilipinas-NIR has set another standard for local beauty pageant tilts through infusing young designers, like Brylie Mirasol Hiponia – new names in choreography and who have original ideas on changing the fashion in pageantry.
Other winners include 1st runner-up Jianne Althea Germudo and 2nd runner-up Fercy Lyn Almaiz.
Queen Renelyn will fly to Manila as Mutya ng Pilipinas 2016 shall kick off this year's search with a photo and video shoot early July. It is expected to crown the successor of Miss Tourism Queen International of the Year 2015-2016 Lerren Mae Bautista next month.