What to expect at Mutia Ti La Union 2020 pageant

SAN FERNANDO, La Union - Expect a star-studded affair, a new pageant crown, and a theatrical experience when you watch the grand coronation night of Mutia Ti La Union 2020 at Poro Point Baywalk here on March 2.

Heading the list of celebrities who will cheer the people of La Union are hosts former 2010 Miss Universe 4th runner-up Maria Venus Raj, and Kapamilya stars Robi Domingo and Billy Crawford.

Adding sparkle are the celebrity judges who will select the new batch of winners. One of them is actor Marco Gumabao. The after-party event will be headed by December Avenue, the same band who gave you the mega-hit "Kung Di Rin Lang Ikaw."

A new crown designed by Manny Halasan will also be presented during the finals. And with Lumina Events Management joining the bandwagon, expect a different kind of pageant.

"Like in our company, we would like to set a standard in doing pageantry. Kahit na city or provincial ito, we make it sure na ibang klase ang presentation nito because we always abide by our hashtag #onetheatricalexperience by giving our audience a theatrical experience in terms of lighting direction, staging, choreography;

"Pag sinabi kasing pageant, alam na agad ng mga tao na may ganitong number, ganitong segment. Nakaka-bore. So kami nilalagyan muna namin ng ibang twist or effect;

"Dapat maiba iyong klase ng presentation pagdating sa treatment na tipong gusto namin mala-TV din ang dating, mala-production. Ang opening number iniiba," said Bernard Yabut Maybituin, managing and artistic director and stage director of Lumina Events Management, during an interview recently.

Twenty lovely candidates will vie for the title of Mutia Ti La Union 2020 as they help drumbeat the vision of the province to be the heart of agri-tourism in Northern Luzon by 2025.

This year's official candidates and their respective towns are: Vienalou Macayan (Bangar), Mary Joyce Salay (Burgos)., Kimberly Entia (Naguilian), Carmela Joy Gil (Luna), Fe Ladyma Abacco (Rosario), Denisse Nichole Dacanay (Aringay), Cristine Jan Padua (Balaoan), Jissa Lubdo (Bagulin), Shaira May Soria (Pugo), Jenny Butlig (Bacnotan), Sacha Tarryn Rejuso (San Gabriel), Victoria Tavas (Sto. Tomas), Irene Guzman (Santol), Kippum Yu (San Juan), Arvelyn Lurbin (Agoo), Gian Nadine Picar (Caba), Danielle Sanglay (San Fernando), Jezreen Mae Fortes (Tubao), Amira Ramirez (Bauang), and Divina Marie Villanueva (Sudipen).

"All the 20 candidates will immerse themselves in their experience through their own agri-tourism advocacy campaign, and document their experience through their own agri-tourism advocacy," said Gov. Francisco Emmanuel “Pacoy” R. Ortega III, in his welcome remarks, during press presentation held at Diego Silang Hall, Provincial Capitol here.

The Mutia Ti La Union pageant, first documented in 1978, has always been a centerpiece in the celebrations of the La Union Foundation Anniversary.

On March 2, La Union - also home of the first Miss Universe Gloria Diaz -will mark its 170th anniversary.

Ortega noted that pageants like Mutia Ti La Union remain to be a thrilling experience for the people of La Union. "Punong-puno lagi ang venue kapag may beauty contest sa province. We just want to give them a show that's decent."

"This local pageant affords young women in the province the opportunity to demonstrate themselves as models of beauty and goodwill for the community," said Ortega.

He added: "It is also a platform to speak of advocacies on women and youth empowerment, social awareness, environmental responsibility, tourism and cultural reawakening, health and lifestyle, among others."

Ortega also said that the pageant actually harnesses even further the unity and camaraderie of every kaprobinsiaan – reflective of what La Union really is.

"And the MLU candidates are and forever will be icons of everlasting beauty, glamour, grace and love for La Union," said Ortega.

Tourism Officer Designate Chairman Adamor L. Dagang said that the MLU pageant is a springboard that launches careers for the ladies, whether in national pageants, show business, or in any other reputable arenas.

During press presentation, Victoria Tavas of Sto. Tomas was voted Darling of the Press. Tavas is a medical technologist who dreams of becoming a doctor.

Tavas said that joining pageants is not all about the title, popularity or looks, it is more about advocacy.

Asked about her advocacy, Tavas said: "I believe that educating the children of today is the most powerful weapon in changing the world for the better. In this world, we should do everything with love and compassion."

La Union is home to 800,000 people in more than 200,000 households from the 576 barangays of the 20 component local government units. The province is also known for its tourism industry. - Robert Requintina/Some images provided by Joy Arguil.