Had I not been invited by my good friend, Eppie Sumilang Macalinao as one of the judges in MUKHA 2004, I would never discover that Tayabas, Quezon abound with many beautiful girls.
“MUKHA” is an acronym for “mukha, utak, katawan, halina and alindog” (face, brain, body, charm and beauty). This is a project of Susi ng Tayabas that symbolizes unity and cooperation of the arts for the development of Tayabas. It was established by Orlando R. Nadres in 1987. Nadres, noted scriptwriter, passed away years ago but his works, like the stage play, “Hanggang Dito Na Lamang At Maraming Salamat” still lives.
Other noted showbiz personalities from Tayabas include mother and daughter, Paraluman and Baby O’Brien, Romeo Vasquez and his nephew Luis Alandy.
This MUKHA beauty pageant has been 16 years long to date. Last May 21st, it was beyond my expectation when I was told by pageant director, Maria Celita Cabali-Catibog, to head the members of the board of judges. We were nine jurors in all from the field of education, politics, business, entertainment, fashion, media, culture and arts. Namely: Romeo Pasamba, Reynaldo Baron, Jane Pabalate, Wally Macaraan, Mignon Tan, Gary Roces, Mylene de Mesa, Noli Casino and this writer.
I traveled 130 kilometers, 3 ½ hours by land from Manila. It was worth it, nevertheless. The pageant aims to promote entertainment, culture, arts and tourism in Tayabas. Thus, the winner will serve as ambassadress of goodwill and tourism booster for the town of Tayabas.
The program was entertaining though, patterned after nationwide beauty contests like the Binibining Pilipinas. But in the entrance parade itself of the candidates, you can see at once the most outstanding in their Flamingo outfit. Thus, a deafening applause heralded candidate number 12, Zeila Czyra D. Zafranco. The 13 prettiest underwent more challenging questions. Even the pageant hosts, Yntel Mendoza and Julius Luces, felt extremely excited too while the contest progressed. Of course, only one would be declared a winner.
MUKHA was part of the seven-day affair dubbed “Mayohan Sa Tayabas” (May 15-21) at the Silungang Bayan. This year pageant theme: Celebration of Life, Love and Peace.
Before the five finalists were called up, various awards were given first to contestants who were Best in Long Gown, Ruth Reyes, Zeila Czyra Zafranco, won in the Best Costume and Best in Swimsuit category. Missd Talent goes to Ginalyn Idea.Miss Photogenic, Janelie Abanilla, while Miss Friendship, Vanessa Baer.
A special award was given to a senior citizen, mother of 13 who raised them all and now professionals in their chosen careers. The award was called “Natatanging MUKHA 2004”. The awardee, Bienvenida Yanoria-Jacela.
After a thorough scrutinization and choosing, the judges came up with the winners. As expected, the very regallooking Zeila Cyzra Zafranco was chosen MUKHA 2004. Her runners up were Ruth Reyes (4th), Micaela Marah Nebrida (3rd), Ginalyn Idea (2nd), and Maria Aileen Moya (1st).
The queenly winner, a combination of beauty and brain was beaming as she waved to the crowd. Her smile was so contagious. I matched it with my own.
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