TEN MOMS VIE FOR “MY PRETTY MAMA” CROWN
Finalists of the My Pretty Mama competition share what makes a good mother, the sacrifices they make as mothers, and also how they stay fit and pretty despite the many roles they play every day. My Pretty Mama, now on its eighth year, is a pageant that focuses on womanhood and motherhood.
The anticipated event for mothers, My Pretty Mama, is back for its eighth pageant, which is focused on womanhood and motherhood.
Last May 11, just two days before Mother’s Day, Redfly Entertainment Events and Promotions presented the 10 finalists for the My Pretty Mama competition in a press conference at Cebu Parkmall.
There were 30 women screened for the contest but only 10 will compete during the coronation event on June 30, 3 p.m. at the Elizabeth Mall.
This year’s contestants are Jessel Coyoca, 32 (Tungha-an, Minglanilla); Leni Montelano Gaspan, 35 (Yati, Liloan); Fleur Elaine Dayondon Sumalpong, 26 (Basak Pardo, Cebu City); Dolores Alarin, 40 (Looc, Mandaue City); Jeanelyn Genabe, 39 (Babag 1, Lapu-Lapu City); Nadia Cagay, 33 (Canduman, Mandaue City); Anna Monica Ramireza Saycon, 31 (Bacayan, Cebu City); Catherine Saldua, 34 (T. Padilla, Cebu City); Trina Mae Solis Morala, 40 (Poblacion, Lapu-Lapu City) and Nancy Reynes Alention (Cogon, Compostela), who was not present during the presentation.
Guests during the conference were sister-goals pageant title holders My Pretty Mama 2016-2017 Cheerzyl Amante David and 2013 My Pretty Mama first runner-up Cherrie Amante delos Santos.
When asked what her edge was, Morala said that she was part of My Pretty Mama 2012. She said, “Just like Pia Wurtzbach, I will not surrender until I have the crown.”
On the other hand, Sumalpong believes that her edge would be her age, being the youngest among the candidates.
But what is the definition of a “pretty mama?” The contestants believe it is not just about being physically pretty.
Being a businesswoman, Gaspan emphasized the importance of quality time, because she has a nanny looking after her child who has autism spectrum disorder. For her, the time, love and money she invests is enough to interpret My Pretty Mama.
Saldua simply sums it up by saying that it is all about “being a total package.”
“The mothers are the teachers of life. They are the ones who mold the children before they become productive in the society. Pretty Mama doesn’t only mean we physically look pretty but of course we are women of strength and dignity. (We are) the ones who take care of the family, (strive for) life-long marriage, and someone who is able to reach out to the community,” Genabe also said.
The candidates also shared their preparations in their road to My Pretty Mama.
Cagay said that when it comes to diet, she doesn’t really need it because she is already slim. But she admitted she needs the emotional preparation.
“Joining a beauty pageant is all about getting the crown,” said Alarin, who spoke about the challenges of competing in My Pretty Mama. “What if you don’t win? What if something happens when you walk on the stage? And lastly, money. Financial. Who will be the one to sponsor your gown? Physically, emotionally, financially.”
“The truth is, I’m on a norice diet,” Saycon said. “It’s too tiring. I’m always hungry and it’s making me dizzy. But it’s okay. It’s still a go.”
Sumalpong did not expect to be part of My Pretty Mama because she had joined another pageant. However, they chose only a few and she was dropped.
“I will prove to them that I am worthy,” she said.
“Kabalo na jud ko mangilay
(Now I know how to fix my brows),” Mama Coyoca joked about her achievement since joining the contest. Hiring a make-up artist requires a lot of money because they attend to pre-pageant events as well. But knowing how to make herself up is a big plus.
Sumalpong used to participate in cosplay, so being in front of people is not new to her. Her awareness on the diversity of mothers is something that is personally fresh to her, witnessing their inner and outer beauty.
The momshies gave their tips to aspiring mothers interested to join the pageant in the future. They encouraged other mothers to join because they will also be taught how to walk in six-inch heels. Being a mom is not only about being able to wash the dishes and clothes; they should also be able to share their beauty and talent.
“Honestly, I am a very strict mother,” Cagay said. “I want everything at home organized. I want my children to always be clean. Hygiene is very important at home. I always tell my children to be confident. Always show what you have.
On stage, Cagay said her confidence is her biggest asset.
She also raised the obstacles in the course of being a mother. Her concern was on the advancement of technology. Because of this, she sees the need for more discipline to be imposed on this generation’s children compared to the previous generation.
Coach Jhade Trece Redulosa, co-founder of My Pretty Mama and the marketing business manager of Redly RM
Group Corp., facilitated the convention. He said that having this pageant is significant because
“dili lang kagwapa sa kalooban kundi ang kagwapa sa atubangan (not just beauty on the inside but beauty on the outside),” are exposed. This would recognize the mother’s overall effort at home as a parent, a wife and as an individual.
The candidates showed off their talents last May 12, just a day before Mother’s Day, at J Centre Mall.