by Jade Zaldivar
ONCE again, some of the most beautiful and brightest young ladies in Davao City are competing for the title of Mutya ng Dabaw and the prestige and responsibility that goes with the title.
After a grueling elimination round and a heart-stopping semi-finals, five of the contestants survived the elimination round and will vie for the crown on March 15 as part of the grand 74th Araw ng Dabaw celebration.
The Mutya ng Dabaw pageant will showcase the best physical attributes (beauty) and natural talent (brains) as chosen by a panel of judges who will decide the winner among them as possessing the complete package of poise, personality, intelligence and beauty.
Irene Benn Lascuna, born on November 18, 1988, is 5’6” tall in height and 55.9kg in weight.
Lascuna is a 4th year International Studies major in Asian Studies student at the Ateneo de Davao University and a Member of Bounce Production Inc.
Lascuna’s advocacy is improving early childhood care and development by the city government through the conduct of enhanced parents effectiveness sessions. She also loves reading, photography and modelling.
In the semifinals last March 8, Lascuna received the Miss Photogenic award.
Imari Haifah Mama, born on May 26, 1991, 5’3” in height and 50.4kg in weight is a 4th year Bachelor of Science in Nursing student at the Davao Doctors College.
Mama is a member of the Philippine Nursing Students Association and her advocacy is on youth empowerment.
She also loves reading books, surfing the internet and dancing.
Reemae Mozar, born on December 1, 1989, with height of 5’6” and 52.5kg in weight, is a 4th year Bachelor of Science in Mathematics student at the Ateneo de Davao University.
Mozar was elected Sangguniang Kabataan Chairperson of Barangay 33-D for the term 2007-2010.
During her term she conducted seminars on Anti Drug Abuse campaigns in the barangay, provided educational assistance through distribution of educational supplies, and purchased books and magazines for the SK Library and Project Hope Day Care Center.
Mozar also loves drawing and reading.
Carmen Smith, born on January 14, 1990 is 5’2” in height and 55.1kg in weight.
Smith is a 2nd year Mass Communication student at the University of Mindanao. Her extra curricular activities include TV hosting and as make-up artist at Southspot.
Smith loves fashion, arts, movies, music, make-up and styling.
Glenn Camille Villanueva, born on October 12, 1991, 5’3” in height and and 46.9kg in weight, is a 3rd Year Bachelor of Science in Biology student at the Davao Doctors College.
Villanueva has served as vice president of the Supreme Student Organization and has also won the title of Ms. ADBM 2010 (Alliance of Davao Biology Majors).
Her advocacy is protecting the environment, tree planting, herbal processing, and cleanliness programs. She also loves reading novels, surfing the internet, and writing essays.
These five ladies survived the scrutiny of high-caliber judging based on their appearance; social and conversational skills; knowledge and perception; poise and projection.
The panel of judges was composed of Atty. Jessie Marvin Melodias – chief of the General Services Office of Davao City, vice-president of the Integrated Bar of the Phils. Davao Chapter, and a resident judge for 10 years; Dr. Domilyn Villareiz – district health officer of Bunawan District, co-chair of the Anti-Smoking Task Force, Smoke-free and Healthy Places Coordinator; Roberto Alabado III – acting coordinator of the City Planning and Development Office; Lisette Marquez – active member of the Tourism Council of Davao CIty, former president of Davao Travel Agencies Assoc. and operations manager of New World Travel and Tours; and Dodjie Batu – designer of Patahian.
