Return of Mutia ti La Union Shifts Kaprobinsiaan Focus on #KalikasanNaman
By: Geraldine B. Salazar-Lucero, PIO | Photos By: Provincial Information Office | Date: March 2, 2023
"Winning Mutia Ti La Union 2023 has been an honor for me and a privilege to share my purpose and promote my advocacy 'Green Peace Movement-Ang Pagbabago KO Para sa Kalikasan'...with the help of the leaders of La Union, we aim to reach wider organizations and volunteers in raising awareness to our Kaprobinsiaan to preserve the beauty of La Union while boosting agriculture and tourism," shared Mutia ti La Union 2023 Kristine Billy Mateo Tabaday of Sudipen, La Union.
Embodying "Kabataang Kababaihan para sa Kalikasan", 20 young and empowered women from the province of La Union confidently beared their maka-#KalikasanNaman advocacies as they vie for the title Mutia ti La Union 2023 on March 2, 2023 at the Poro Point Baywalk, City of San Fernando, La Union.
Three years after its last staged competition, the much-awaited Beauty and Advocacy Pageant in Northern Luzon is back and crowned a new queen in the person of Kristine Billy Mateo Tabaday from Sudipen, giving her town its third straight victory in the said pageantry.
She bested 19 other equally intelligent and beautiful aspirants during the coronation night staged at Poro Point Bay Walk, City of San Fernando, La Union on March 2, 2023.
The 24 year-old newly crowned queen is an Accounting Graduate and currently working as a Branch Marketing Representative and Administrative Assistant for a famous beverage corporation located in the province. She is working on becoming a Certified Public Accountant as she assumes the mantle of being the Mutia ti La Union - a beauty queen with a purpose.
With Kristine's grace and confidence on stage, and her quick-wit answers during the question-and-answer portion, she definitely impressed the kaprobinsiaan crowd and judges.
Aside from the title, she also won People's Choice Award, Mutia Beautiful Hair and Mutia Beautiful Skin.
Winning the title Mutia ti La Union Agri-Turismo is Anjali Pradeep Kumar from Bauang. She also bagged majority of the special awards including Miss Beautederm, Miss Nisce Skin, Mutia Fashion Model, Best in Swimwear and Best in Evening Gown.
Patricia Nicole Bangug from Agoo was crowned Mutia ti La Union Kalikasan. She also received the Best in Environmental Advocacy Campaign and Best in Environmental Awareness Activities awards.
Settling in first and second runner-up spots, respectively, were Zyra Mae Carbonell from San Juan, who also bagged Miss Colurette; and Strebel Joy Bugnay from Bacnotan who recieved the Most Viewed Environmental Advocacy Campaign award.
Other ladies who made it to top 10 were Mutia ti Balaoan Shaina Kyla Ambrioso, Mutia Ti Santol Chrisitan Joy Bautista, Mutia Ti Tubao Lyka Sibug, Mutia Ti San Fernando Aenschely Jhe Hidalgo, and Mutia Ti Pugo Francheska Vernesce Fontanos.
Mutia ti Aringay Nicole Anne Tropia was awarded Mutia Photogenic while Mutia ti Bangar Femush Lyssa Maynes was Mutia Vibrant Smile. Best in Creative Recycled outfit was bagged by Mutia ti Santol Christian Joy Bautista and Mutia Frienship was Mutia ti Caba Brixille Dela Cruz.
Aside from the candidates, the crowd cheered for Gov. Raphaelle Veronica "Rafy" Ortega-David during her surprise opening production number with the Mutia Candidates. Dazzling with her natural beauty and confidence, she embodied the qualities of an empowered, strong and independent woman.
In her message, she gave a little explanation on the elements included in the province's official seal and related it to #LaUnionPROBINSYAnihan. She as well highlighted that after 173 years, La Union has elected its first woman governor which mirrors the Province's acknowledgement of women's abilities.
Kapamilya host Robi Domingo and 2020 Miss Grand International First Runner-Up Samantha Bernardo hosted the coronation night, together with 2014 Binibining Pilipinas Universe Mary Jean Lastimos as Anchor Host.
An impressive panel of judges chaired by Miss Universe Philippines Celeste Cortesi along with Jojo Bragais, Donya Tesoro, Ricci Rivero, Nina Cabrera, Charlie Ong and Rian Fernandez had the toughest job during the coronation night.
Kapuso heartthrob David Licauco provided entertainment and serenaded the candidates.
Mutia ti La Union 2023 is one of the highlights of the Ayat Festival: the 173rd Founding Anniversary of La Union serving as an opportunity for young women to make an impact on the community with their advocacies on women and youth empowerment, and environmental protection and sustainability.
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