Muslim woman, 4 others win Mutya ng Pilipinas 2018
A Muslim woman was among the five major winners of the 50th Mutya ng Pilipinas beauty pageant held at the Mall of Asia (MOA) Arena in Pasay City September 16.
Filipino-Qatari Sharifa Akeel, 21, of Sultan Kudarat, was named Mutya ng Pilipinas Asia-Pacific International title in the pageant that promotes "beauty tourism." Fifty contestants took part in this year's edition of the contest, the most number of girls in the history of Mutya ng Pilipinas pageant.
With Mutya ng Pilipinas President Hemilyn Escudero-Tamayo
But Akeel will have no time to prepare anymore for the Miss Asia-Pacific International 2018 pageant as she will immediately check-in at a hotel with more than 50 foreign candidates of the international pageant and get ready for the press presentation at the MOA grounds starting Tuesday, Sept. 18.
Akeel has been the favorite candidate to win the coveted title since Day 1 of the Mutya ng Pilipinas contest because she stood out with her grace and charm.
During the final question-and-answer of the pageant, Akeel was asked about her thoughts on pageants promoting beauty in diversity.
Mutya ng Pilipinas 2018 candidates dance to 'Girls Like You' for their opening number.
Akeel answered: "I set myself as an example of it because Mutya ng Pilipinas openly accepted me for who I am despite my religion. It only means that Mutya ng Pilipinas promotes diversity. Beauty in diversity;
"As a 'Mutya,' I will continue the legacy of the past queens and promote it to the whole world that we have our unique beauty despite our individual differences. If there is one thing I learned from this pageant is that being a beauty queen is not just having physical perfection. It's what's inside of you - your thoughts and your grace regardless of your race and your religion."
Other winners of the televised pageant were Aya Fernandez, Taguig, Mutya ng Pilipinas-Tourism International 2018; Pauline Amelinckx, Bohol, Mutya ng Pilipinas-Global Beauty Queen 2018; Kesha Ramachandran, Iloilo, Mutya ng Pilipinas-Tourism Queen of the Year International 2018; and Jade Roberts, Australia, Mutya ng Pilipinas - Overseas Filipino Communities 2018. They will also represent the country in various pageants abroad.
With Mutya ng Pilipinas Chairman Frederick Yuson.
First runner-up honors went to Mary Justine Teng of Muntinlupa; and Kristine Micah Malicsi, Navotas, 2nd runner-up.
Winners of special awards were Mayuko Hanawa, Japan, Miss Congeniality; Aya Fernandez, Mutya Creamsilk; Pauline Amelinckx, Mutya San Mig Lite; Sharifa Akeel, Mutya Celeteque; Honey Grace Cartasano, Antipolo, Mutya ng Hannah's; Mary Justine Teng, Mutya ng Thiocell; Rein Hillary Carrascal of Legazpi, Mutya ng Happee.
Reports say that the two major crowns - Miss Asia Pacific International and Miss Tourism International - are said to be worth P3 million to P5 million each. It is believed to be the most expensive crowns to be worn in a national beauty pageant. The two other crowns are smaller in size. - ROBERT REQUINTINA
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