While in MATI…
Mati crowns its new mutya
How long has it been since the most recent trip to Mati? With so many events happening, I can’t seem to match the dates with the events. But thanks to the memory feature of Facebook, the photos posted in the past pop upon screen as reminder.
Case in point, thanks to the FB the most recent visit was during the Mutya ng Mati event three years ago, in June 18, 2014. I accompanied a Jackie D. who was one of the judges.
It was on the same date and event that I returned to Mati, but this time as a judge for the 2017 pageant.
This year’s Mutya ng Mati gathered fifteen ladies representing the different barangays of the city. Intelligent, proud and confident would be appropriate to describe all the candidates.
But through all their strengths, five stood out with Barangay Central dominating the roster: Candidate 1 Martina Chelsea Cruz, Candidate 8 Ethel Louise Dupa, Candidate 10 Angeli Joanna Bangcuyo, Candidate 14 Vevey Gwayne Laylo; and one from Barangay Dahican, Candidate 11 Lucky Jeanelle Zamora.
Care for environment is the focus of this year’s pageant. It aligns with the latest environmental program of the City of Mati recently launched, the Solid Waste Integrated Management (SWIM), to sustain the city’s growth without degrading the environment.
The ladies were provided a good platform to share their thoughts and how they, as the young generation, an actively take part in creating a better future.
Even the “dreaded” Q&A was about the environment and it did not pose as a problem to these beauties. If it proved anything, it’s how knowledgeable and intelligent this batch truly is.
Ultimately, only one will take home the crown and this year’s Mutya ng Mati bagged the top slot with her confidence, charm and articulacy.
Perhaps it was Candidate 8’s eloquent response to the question “Among the elements: water, air and fire, which one would you be most concerned with in relation to the present condition of our planet? Explain why?” shot her up the ranking.
“Among the elements I would choose watr because I know that water is the most polluted and abuse element among the three. We all know a lot of countries now are facing drought and a lot of people are experiencing lack of potable water. That is why I know that we can do a lot of things to conserve water. Also, polluted water doesn’t only affect us human, it affects the environment and other creature in the planet. If we don’t act now, then when?”
Ethel Louise Dupa is Mutya ng Mati 2017 and she can certainly make a good ambassadress of the city and it’s programs.
Congratulations Ethel, the city of Mati and the organizing committee of the beauty search. For production value, I give it a 5/5 Apples.
Email me at jinggoysalvador@yahoo.com. For more lifestyle & travel stories, visit www.ofapplesandlemons.com & www.jeepneyjinggoy.com