More Mutya bets

Curtain-Perhaps without her (or her manager) knowing it, a sexy/ sultry actress is over-pricing herself out of the market. You know how much she charges for hosting an event out of town? P450,000, take it or leave it! Too much. So the organizers instead hired a well-loved beauty queen for half that much. A better choice, actually. She’s more charming, more friendly and more “with it” than the original choice.

Could it be true that a young actress is bipolar in real life? No wonder she fits her role in a TV drama to a T. It is said that when she did a romantic soap with a hunky actor, she became his virtual stalker. Until the end of their short-lived romance, they never confirmed it.

So it’s true that there was really “something” between a TV actress and the actor linked to her, something which neither of them confirmed. She’s a good cook and she must have won his heart through his stomach. But the romance went pffft because the actor was afraid of “commitment,” maybe so as not to jeopardize the legal case between him and his estranged actress-wife.

Ask Mutya ng Pilipinas candidates (some of them featured in this corner recently) from Filipino communities abroad what place in the Philippines they are excited to visit and chances are they would mention Puerto Princesa. Coincidentally, Puerto Princesa has become part and parcel of the annual pageant, with the swimsuit competition held at the Sheridan Beach Resort & Spa (SBRS), this year slated for July 22, five days after the press presentation on July 17 at the

Resorts World Manila. In line with its objective of promoting the country’s tourism industry, Mutya organizers are also using resorts in Iloilo and Boracay as venues of special events.

Delegates from overseas Filipino communities in Asia, Australia, various locations in the United States, the EU and Scandinavia are consistent participants in the pageant with three titles at stake: Mutya ng Pilipinas-Asia Pacific International, Mutya ng Pilipinas-Tourism International and Mutya ng Pilipinas-Overseas Communities. The 47th coronation night is set for Aug. 2 at Resorts World Manila, to be aired on ABSCBN’s Sunday’s Best.

The beauty pageant has introduced the inclusion of representatives from Filipino communities abroad since 2000, not only to recognize the Filipino roots of overseas-based women but also give the overseas contingent tough competition. Here are six more aspirants:

1. Kiara Gregorio, 18, from United Kingdom, born in Cabanatuan City and moved to England in 2007. An aspiring actress, she was accepted into

Pinoy Big Brother (PBB) Season 4 in 2012 but backed out in favor of her studies. “I really want to finish my studies and embark on a career in the legal profession,” Kiara said. “I would like to help the less fortunate. Education is a fundamental key to fighting poverty; everyone should have an equal chance for getting education regardless of race, gender or religious beliefs.”

2. Christine Stubergh, 19, Mutya Scandinavia, a football fanatic. “I want to get closer to my mother’s home country to broaden my bond with the people and know more about the culture,” said Stubergh. “I would like to travel more and explore as many destinations as possible. I also want to have more opportunities to work with children.”

3. Jean de Jesus, 23, from Canada, a financial adviser in a prestigious credit union in Alberta. She was crowned Miss Philippines of the World in Canada and part of her prize is to represent Canada in this year’s Mutya pageant. “I plan to put up a business so I can give back to my family,” said Jean.

4. Jessica Rose McEwen, 18, from Sasmuan, Pampanga, representing Central Luzon. An AB Communication junior at the An- geles University Foundation in Angeles City, she was born and raised bare-footed in Whangarei, New Zealand before moving to the Philippines in 2006. “I have a unique look because of my New Zealand blood but I have the pure heart of a Filipino,” said McEwen. “I am determined to help take Philippine culture and beauty to a whole other level. I believe that my determination and confidence will help me win the crown.”

5. Kristiarine Briones, 22, a nurse trainee representing Tarlac City. A Miss Tarlac State University in 2012-13, she hopes to bag one of the titles so she can pursue her dreams. “Too many to mention,” she smiled.

6. Leren Mae Bautista, 22, from Los Baños, Laguna. “Mutya is a good stepping stone for every Filipina who wants to promote everything that is beautiful in the Philippines,” she said, “from our amazing tourist destinations, Filipino culture, innovative fashion style, food and most especially, the people.” (E-mail reactions at entphilstar@ You may also send your questions to askrickylo@