After a three-year absence due to the pandemic, a new Mutya ng Dabaw has been crowned.
Maria Isabel Pelayo of Barangay Indangan bested 29 other aspirants during the coronation night held at the University of Southeastern Philippines (USEP) Gymnasium on Friday night.
Joining her court are Joanna Marie B. Franken, Diwa ng Dabaw; Jamyla Diane B. Ampis, Sinag ng Dabaw; Dulce Amor P. Lumictin, Pag-asa ng Dabaw; and Piligrina Jendy B. Bentayao, Patnubay ng Dabaw.
The night was not only belonged to Pelayo, an avid aerial arts practitioner, but also to two of Davao City’s top fashion gurus – Gary Monroferos, an international fashion designer based in Dubai, and fashion Czar Boy Guino-o, a recipient of the Datu Bago award for championing and incorporating in his designs the craftsmanship of the indigenous tribes in Mindanao. Semi-finalists strutted the stage wearing the creations and designs of Monroferos and Guino-o, who are considered icons of Davao fashion industry.
Aside the most-coveted crown, special awards were also bestowed to the candidates who stood out. Romena Ella Vidal was chosen as Miss Congeniality; Hanna Maj Piccio was Best in Talent; Joanna Marie Franken got the Miss Photogenic; and Piligrina Jendy Bentayao was Miss Smart.
Stunning Events General Manager Toffy Ledesma, the event organizer of 2023 Mutya ng Dabaw, said this year’s pageant is more than beauty as it also focused on the candidates’ advocacies for the Davao City’s communities.
Mutya ng Dabaw, which was last staged in 2020, is among the highlights of the 86th Araw ng Davao showcasing the beauty and brains of Dabawenyas.
