Angeles City—The city government recently held its first-ever Tribute to the Queens of Mutya Ning Angeles.
The beauty event, streamed live via the City Information Facebook account, was a brainchild of Executive Assistant IV Reina Manuel.
Mayor Carmelo “Pogi” Lazatin Jr. described the event as a symbol of the city’s resiliency, proving that “no calamity, disaster or pandemic can stop Angelenos” from celebrating beauty.
Mutya Ning Angeles first crowned a queen in 1992 in Crisanta Delfin. The pageant is on its 28th year.
“This one-of-a-kind tribute to Mutya Ning Angeles previous queens conveys an even deeper meaning for all of us. Amid the uncertainties brought by the Covid 19 pandemic, the Mutya Ning Angeles serves as a reminder that even in the darkest of hours, we can still find beauty and inspiration,” Lazatin said.
Vice Mayor Vicky Vega-Cabigting formally opened the virtual event and emphasized the contribution of women in society. She recalled the days when women were not given proper recognition.
“Beauty pageants have become venues wherein women can speak up and have their voices heard on important societal issues. Beauty queens have inspired young girls to dream more,” she added.
Lazatin’s Chief Adviser and Tactician Director IC Calaguas cited the efforts of the Mutya Ning Angeles Working Committee led by Manuel, Angeles City Tourism Officer Anneleen Antonio-Sugui, and event director Cecille Flores-Sanchez.
The event was combination of pre-recorded and live videos that showed the pageant history in the words of organizers and handlers, journey of the queens and their current lives now, and the actual making of the pageant.
Mutya Ning Angeles queens present during the tribute were Sharon Abaya Reyes, 1994; Gizell Cabrieto Vinoya, 1996; Lara Isabelle Dizon, 2010; Mary Ann Felker, 2018; and Mizziah Reyes, 2019.
Antonio-Sugui expressed gratitude to sponsors, especially event co-producer Beautederm Corp. headed by President and CEO Rei Anicoche Tan.