IN THE heart of Davao City, where culture, resilience, and progress come alive, a new generation of Dabawenyas steps forward — not just to compete, but to inspire. Mutya ng Dabaw is more than a pageant; it’s a celebration of intelligence, purpose, and the unwavering strength of the Dabawenya spirit.
Each candidate brings a story that’s deeply personal yet powerfully universal. They are daughters, sisters, and friends — women who dream big and stand for something greater than themselves. Whether advocating for healthcare, education, sustainability, or cultural pride, they are here to make a difference, proving that beauty shines brightest when it is driven by purpose.
As they take the stage, they are more than contenders for a crown; they are changemakers, role models, and the heart of a city that never stops growing. Who will wear the title? More importantly, who will leave a legacy?
On Saturday, February 22, 2025, the 20 candidates were officially unveiled during the official sashing and press conference at the Rogen Inn.
Get to know the 20 candidates who will be vying for the crown:
Mutya #1: Nathea Gail A. Mangahas
An entrepreneur and marketing student from Matina Aplaya, Mangahas founded The Teen Empowerment Project to prevent teenage pregnancy. Inspired by her caretaker’s struggles, she aims to break the cycle of poverty and stigma. At 20, she owns a coffee shop, showcasing her entrepreneurial spirit.
Mutya #2: Eanne Allysandra J. Martinez
A freelance host and early childhood education student from Catalunan Pequeño, Martinez champions children’s rights education after experiencing childhood harassment. As Davao’s youngest host, she uses her platform to advocate for child protection.
Mutya #3: Ashley Trisha Mae M. Bitoy
A model and tourism student from Catalunan Grande, Bitoy promotes environmental sustainability through her advocacy, Harmony with Nature. She seeks to inspire the youth in biodiversity conservation.
Mutya #4: Khrizia Beille O. Villa
A communications officer from Matina Crossing, Villa advocates for children with disabilities. Inspired by her experiences in healthcare and her mother’s cancer battle, she amplifies the voices of marginalized children.
Mutya #5: Katriana N. Batu
An industrial engineer, entrepreneur, and farmer from Matina Crossing, Batu focuses on sustainability and food security. Her work integrates productivity with environmental conservation, and she leads initiatives like native tree planting.
Mutya #6: Hannah Nicole A. Dungog
A licensed pharmacist from Catalunan Grande, Dungog promotes Medication Awareness, educating communities on proper medicine use. Growing up in Sitio San Pedro, she saw the dangers of drug misuse, shaping her advocacy.
Mutya #7: Nicole Angeline P. Sulla
A commercial model and communication graduate from Centro San Juan, Sulla advocates for Compassion in Action, supporting marginalized communities. Rooted in faith, she volunteers for One Race for Filipino Services.
Mutya #8: Ybonne O. Ortega
A licensed physical therapist and master’s degree holder from Norway, Ortega founded You’re Stronger Than You Think, promoting physical activity and health awareness. Returning to the pageant, she hopes to inspire resilience.
Mutya #9: Cerlyn P. Cabanit
An events host and medical technology student from Ma-a, Cabanit promotes health literacy, driven by the loss of her grandmother due to healthcare inaccessibility. She aims to empower communities through education.
Mutya #10: Frances Hannah A. Alibang
A licensed medical technologist from Brgy. Cabantian, Alibang joins Mutya ng Dabaw to promote her advocacy, One Drop, One Life, raising awareness about blood donation. Her work in a tertiary hospital has deepened her commitment to healthcare and community well-being.
Mutya #11: Kathlyn Camille Y. Lee
A licensed nurse and educator from Brgy. Maa, Lee sees Mutya ng Dabaw as a platform to advocate for Early Childhood Development, especially for indigenous and underprivileged children. Coming from humble beginnings, she hopes to inspire others and empower women as caregivers.
Mutya #12: Julie May J. Razonable
A Tourism Management student and model from Brgy. Mandug, Razonable aims to promote sustainable tourism in Davao. Having witnessed the effects of unregulated tourism, she advocates for responsible travel that empowers local communities.
Mutya #13: Angel Alicaba
A student from Brgy. Maa, Alicaba uses her pageant journey to highlight Davao’s culture and tourism on the global stage. As a former exchange student, she believes in fostering cultural exchange and amplifying diverse voices.
Mutya #14: Kathlene Jean B. Trinidad
A real estate professional and model from Brgy. Matina Crossing, Trinidad joins Mutya ng Dabaw to advocate for inclusivity, particularly for neurodiverse individuals. Inspired by past titleholders, she aims to use her platform to promote acceptance and belonging.
Mutya #15: Shania Monica S. Altamera
A sales engineer from Brgy. Buhangin Proper, Altamera aspires to be an effective leader by learning from Davao’s governance. Through her #NotAlone program, she empowers youth by promoting mental, relational, and spiritual well-being.
Mutya #16: Rebekah Gail C. Celis
A law student, paralegal, and events host from Brgy. 19-B, Celis returns to Mutya ng Dabaw to strengthen her advocacy, The POWER Project, which supports survivors of violence and abuse. Passionate about women’s rights, she hopes to make a lasting impact.
Mutya #17: Vera Glich G. Gonzalez
A Tourism Management student and model from Brgy. Baliok, Gonzalez advocates for children of OFWs, having experienced the challenges of growing up with parents working abroad. She seeks to provide emotional support, education, and empowerment.
Mutya #18: Dana Gabrielle B. Tautho
A licensed geologist, environmental planner, and PhD student from Brgy. Buhangin Proper, Tautho champions environmental conservation, indigenous empowerment, and sustainability. Her One Apparel, One Tree initiative connects fashion with reforestation.
Mutya #19: Nikka Louise O. Tan
A lawyer, bar review mentor, and events host from Brgy. Matina Crossing, Tan uses Mutya ng Dabaw to advocate for environmental conservation, particularly in protecting the Philippine Eagle. She values self-improvement and meaningful connections.
Mutya #20: Elyza G. Mahinay
A banker from Brgy. Buhangin, Mahinay advocates for abandoned children’s education through her Young Dream initiative. Inspired by her father’s struggles, she seeks to provide marginalized children with opportunities for a better future.
Down to 20
From 30 last year, the candidates were trimmed to 20.
Jennifer Romero, CTOO officer-in-charge, said this was based on the post-evaluation assessment last year, wherein the organizers intended to scale down the candidates.
“We really want to ensure that we get to really look into the candidates,” Romero said.
The pageant returned in 2023 three years after the Covid-19 pandemic, and the organizers made a "fresh comeback by lifting the age limit” for its contestants.
Romero said the city wanted to be inclusive to everyone, which is why they allowed all aspiring Mutya queens from age 18 years old and above.
The minimum 5’4” height requirement was also scrapped. Married, and single moms are now allowed to join, same as last year.
Mutya ng Dabaw theme song
For the first time in its history, Mutya ng Dabaw 2025 has an official theme song!
The song, entitled “Gandang Dabawenya” was unveiled during the press conference and official sashing ceremony on Saturday, February 22, 2025. It was performed by Mutya ng Dabaw 2024 Hanna Maj Piccio, Pag-asa ng Dabaw Fredelma Nova Corporal, and Patnubay ng Dabaw Abigail Balili.
The song was composed by Willenito Tormis Jr. and arranged by Huly Ray Asidor.
Romero said the song was conceptualized in November last year.
As a pageant aficionado herself, the official had been thinking of having a theme song for the city’s most awaited pageant.
“We had a lot of discussions with the one who wrote the song, and I am so happy with the song,” she said.
The song will also be uploaded on Spotify and TikTok, where users can use it for their videos.
Nearing the end of reign
Piccio, the reigning Mutya Ng Dabaw, also made a special appearance during the event.
In her speech, she felt that her journey just happened yesterday and that she couldn’t believe that her journey as the reigning Mutya had made it worthwhile.
Piccio made history as the first plus-size to be crowned Mutya Ng Dabaw 2024 in the pageant’s history.
This is Piccio’s second time joining the competition and she is firm in her belief in body positivity. She joined Mutya ng Dabaw 2023 and made it to the finals but failed to grab the crown. RGL