The FilOil EcoOil Centre in San Juan, Manila will host the coronation night of Mutya ng Pilipinas 2024 this evening, where 31 candidates from across the Philippines and overseas Filipino communities will compete for several prestigious titles, including Mutya ng Pilipinas-Intercontinental, Mutya ng Pilipinas-Tourism International, Mutya ng Pilipinas-World Top Model, and Mutya ng Pilipinas-Environment International.
"This is the 56th edition of Mutya ng Pilipinas, and we’re looking for an intelligent, beautiful girl, especially one who speaks from the heart," said Cory Quirino, president and national director of the Mutya ng Pilipinas organization.
Among the 31 contestants, several stand out as top contenders for the crowns, showcasing not only beauty but also intelligence, well-toned physiques, catwalk prowess, and communication skills.
Top Contenders for the Crowns
Arianna Charlize Pantaleon, 21, representing the Filipino community of Canada, is a public speaking graduate and advocate against domestic violence. She is seen as a strong contender for the Mutya Intercontinental title.
Anne Klein Castro, 20, from Pampanga, is a student of Tourism Management. She is noted for her statuesque beauty and intelligence. With a resemblance to actress Kylie Padilla, Castro is predicted to excel in the Mutya Tourism International competition, which is held in Malaysia.
Aiyen Ysabel Maquiraya, 22, from Washington State, USA, is studying Communication and Media Studies at the University of Washington. Known for her vibrant personality and stage presence, she is seen as a fit for the Mutya Environment International crown.
Jireh Ravi Mayani, 19, a Filipino-Indian model from Davao and senior high graduate of Asia Pacific College, is considered another strong candidate for Mutya Tourism International.
Other Notable Contenders
Princess Julianne Opiasa, 23, from Zambales, is a graduate in Entertainment and Multimedia Computing. She is the sister of Miss Universe Philippines runner-up CJ Opiasa. Her catwalk skills and physique make her a top contender for the Mutya World Top Model title.
Other strong contenders include Alyssa Marie Redondo, 23, representing the Filipino community in California, who founded the Alyssa’s Little Learners foundation to provide school supplies to children in need; Elizah Mendoza, 23, a student and influencer based in Dubai; and Felicia Fran Aldana, 23, a cum laude graduate in Communication from the University of Santo Tomas.
More Than Beauty
The competition will also feature contestants like Jennifer dela Cerna, 18, from Cebu, and Clare Alexandra Azañes, 21, a flight attendant from Camarines Sur who was voted Darling of the Press. Additionally, Jacquelyn Mangubat, 28, a Fil-Maltese contestant from Australia, holds multiple degrees in Architecture and Design, making her a standout in the field.
The Mutya ng Pilipinas pageant has a long and storied history, having been held annually since 1968. The pageant has produced several notable winners who have gone on to compete in international pageants, including Miss Universe, Miss Supranational, and Miss Asia Pacific International. This year’s competition promises to be another exciting event, with a diverse group of talented and intelligent women vying for the coveted crowns. The winner of the Mutya ng Pilipinas-Intercontinental title will go on to represent the Philippines in the Miss Intercontinental pageant, while the winner of the Mutya ng Pilipinas-Tourism International title will compete in the Miss Tourism International pageant. The winner of the Mutya ng Pilipinas-World Top Model title will represent the Philippines in the World Top Model contest. And the winner of the Mutya ng Pilipinas-Environment International title will compete in the Miss Environment International pageant.
The Mutya ng Pilipinas organization is committed to promoting Filipino culture and empowering young women. The pageant is a celebration of Filipino beauty, talent, and intelligence, and the winners will serve as ambassadors for the Philippines around the world.