Pinay entrepreneur joins Mrs. Grandma Universe contest

It’s grandma’s turn to take on the universe.

That is now the exciting challenge of a 48-year-old grandmother who will represent the Philippines in the 2016 Mrs. Grandma Universe in Sofia, Bulgaria on January 23.

Babylyn Decena-Newfield, 48, an entrepreneur from Alabang, Muntinlupa City, has four children and four grandchildren. She heads the Cartridge World Philippines, a firm that manufactures ink and toner distributed here

and in many markets abroad.

Newfield was handpicked by pageant guru Ovette Ricalde to compete in the annual pageant for grandmothers.

“I saw in her the potential and capability to represent our country. She has all the qualities of an ideal grandmother which the international organizers of the pageant are looking for. I have this gut feel that she will win the competition in Bulgaria,” said Ricalde during a press send-off for Newfield at a hotel in Quezon City recently.

The lovely grandmother, who practices Muay-Thai, a martial arts discipline, and visits the gym regularly, said:

“I know that I have the makings of an ideal grandmother. Being one is not all about taking good care of your grandchildren, but also to show people I can still be competitive in pursuing an objective that I set in my life.”

Newfield will display her confidence in the mastery of Muay Thai when she demonstrates the disciple in the talent competition of the beauty contest.

“I will be demonstrating my skills in Muay Thai during the talent competition of the pageant. I want to show the people that being a grandma is not a hindrance to show what the young generation can do.”

Newfield’s formula for success is hard work, patience and determination. “When my husband passed away, I assumed the role of parent to my children. I went through adjustments because I also have our business to attend to, which is our bread and butter. I juggled from being a mother, grandmother and business woman. It was really hard at first but with the help of my associates, peers and the inspiration from my family, I was able to pull it through,” she said.

And what would she do if she goes through the same situation experienced by Miss Universe Pia Alonzo Wurtzbach, when the pageant host announced a different winner, and later corrected himself? Newfield answered: “I definitely do not agree with crown-sharing if ever I will win the title. There can only be one winner.” (Robert R. Requintina)