Barangay Poblacion 1 proved to be the fairest of them all; her winning answer to the question: “How will you live up to the Mutya sa Tagbilaran title while promoting the best of what Tagbilaran City has to offer?” An epitome of grace under pressure, the 16-year old replied, “I have been watching beauty pageants and today it has evolved to a more substantial level, the winner should be competent and knows how to promote what she has taken on. I believe that if I can provide that, I will be able to live up to my role as Mutya.”  A combination of beauty and wit, the 16 year old incoming freshmen bested 14 other candidates in the Grand Coronation Night of the Mutya sa Tagbilaran 2015 at the Bohol Wisdom Gymnasium. Aside from the crown, Ms. Poblacion 1 also bagged the Best in Swimsuit, Best in Gown, Best in Casual Interview, and Best in Production Number. Other minor awards such as the Ms. Congeniality and Ms. SMART Communications went to Cogon’s Darlene Galao; Darling of the Press went to Dampas’s Christine Ann Juguan; Ms. Bohol Tropics was Tiptip’s Reneith Alturas; Ms. Globe Telecom went to Manga’s Lady Arlia Lumantas; Best in Talent was Dao’s Jennifer Lynne Winters; Ms. Photogenic and Viewer’s Choice Award went to Cabawan’s Nicole Fiona Gordillo; Ms. Rejuv Beauty Soap went to Bool’s Careen Jane Pilayre; Darling of the Crowd was Poblacion 2’s Sheree Ann Ciruela and the Best Designer Award went to EJ Relampagos who designed the gown for Ms. Dao. EJ Relampagos, during an interview, said that designing a gown for a candidate was not an easy task, “We were all given the same exact cloth, and it’s up to us to make it beautiful. Also, there was pressure, we have to show what we got, we have to showcase what the Boholanos have to offer when it comes to fashion designing. We are thankful to Mayor Baba and his wife Jane for giving us the opportunity to be a part of this prestigious event.”

The pageant which was hosted by famous TV personality and Eventologist Tim Yap and Model-Actress Phoemela Baranda draw multitudes of supporters from the 15 barangays. The distinguished judges added to the glamour, with Ms. World 2^nd Princess Ruffa Gutierrez; Fashion Powerhouse Cary Santiago; Noted Criminal Lawyer Atty. Raymund Fortun; America’s Next Top Model Allison Harvard; Famed Make-up Artist Robbie Pinera; PNP Regional Director Tom Bañas; Businessman Ding Borja; First Lady of the Province and Balilihan Vice-Mayor Ma. Pureza V. Chatto; Kapuso Actress Gwen Zamora; Fashion Designer Charina Sarte; Bb. Pilipinas Inter-Continental 2014 Kris Tiffany Janson, and Manhunt International 2012 June Macasaet.   Themed with a Moulin Rouge concept, the lovely candidates displayed their dancing prowess in a burlesque-inspired dance routine. The swimsuit competition intensified the event with the girls donning a one-piece swimsuit designed by Charina Sarte.

City Mayor John Geesnell “BABA” Yap underscored that pageants do serve a purpose, which is, showcasing not just the beauty of a woman, but a display of their confidence, wit and charm. Further, he congratulated all the candidates for their hard work and dedication, as well as the City Government staff for staging a wonderful show. Congressman Rene Relampagos on one hand stressed the assistance of the administration, from the national to the provincial governments, to the City Government. Governor Edgar Chatto emphasized that SAULOG will promote the beauty of Tagbilaran, its culture, its economy and its people. He congratulated Mayor Yap for spearheading events that unify the people and spur economic growth. He is thankful because the development of the City will surely redound to the provinces’ development as well.

Mutya Chair and First lady Jane Censoria Cajes-Yap was satisfied with the outcome. She stressed that all the hard work of the staff paid off. The sleepless nights during the conceptualization and planning of the event were all worthwhile. Again, the preparations for Mutya 2016 are underway.

The grand winner, Poblacion 1’s Mary Eda Cimafranca, will receive an Asian Trip for Two, Php30, 000 cash prize, One-Night Stay at Bellevue Resort, and round trip ticket for two from Cebu Pacific to any destination in the Philippines.