Antique’s bet, Angela Yagaya was crowned Mutya ng Pilipinas - Western Visayas 2016

Mutya ng Pilipinas-Western Visayas 2016 Angela Yagaya of Antique (center) with 2nd runner up May Adel Salman of Aklan and 1st runner up Japril Maquiling of Iloilo.

For the first time, one of the Philippines’ most prestigious beauty pageants, Mutya ng Pilipinas staged a successful regional search for the whole Western Visayas, gathering 10 charming and gorgeous ladies from different provinces. Mutya ng Pilipinas – Western Visayas 2016 was held last June 18, 7PM at ABL Sports Complex in Kalibo, Aklan. It was organized through the effort of Kalibo councilor Juris Socro in cooperation with Mutya ng Pilipinas national committee, MAGS and Viva Events. The pageant’s production number featured a song and music video by the Department of Tourism’s “Lagaw Ta Experience Western Visayas,” Region VI’s first all-star tourism song. The candidates invaded the stage in their swimsuit competition through the song “It’s More Fun in the Philippines” by international Filipino artist Apl de Ap. Iloilo’s fashion designer, Bo Parcon showcased his black collection designs during the casual wear competition. The candidates showcased their grace in the gown completion wearing the designs of local designers from various provinces including Iloilo’s fashion cultural czar Hector “Totong” Gellagarin. Star Circle Quest Alumnus Joross Gamboa serenaded the candidates with songs of love and passion.
Kate Monerva representing the province of Iloilo won the Miss Photogenic award. Antique’s bet Angela Yagaya won the Best in Swimsuit award while Iloilo’s representative, Japril Maguiling got the Best in Gown award. May Adel Salman from the Province of Aklan was declared 2nd Runner-up, Japril Maguiling of the Province of Iloilo won the 1st Runner-up title. Finally, Angela Yagaya of the Province of Antique was crowned as Mutya ng Pilipinas – Western Visayas 2016 and will represent Region VI in the national Mutya ng Pilipinas this year. The Pageant Night of Mutya ng Pilipinas 2016 is on the evening of July 30 at Resorts World Manila. 

Angela Yagaya is formerly crowned as Miss Iloilo Paraw Regatta - Aliwan 2015. She represented Paraw Regatta Festival in the Reyna ng Aliwan 2015. She landed in the top 10 of Slimmer's World - Miss Bikini Philippines 2015. Mutya ng Pilipinas will be her third time to compete for a national beauty pageant.

Angela Yagaya as candidate number 18 in the official press presentation of Mutya ng Pilipinas 2016 candidates at Hotel 101 Manila last July 13, 2016. 

Miss Paraw Regatta 2016 Grand Coronation Night: Beauty, Prestige , Legacy

QUEENS: Miss Paraw Regatta 2016 winners - 1st Runner-up Marsha Layson, Miss Paraw Regatta Queen 2016 Vanessa Mae Tse Wing and 2nd Runner-up Hannah Vargas.

An evening of 24 celestial beauties all over Western Visayas showcased a spectacular grand coronation night for Miss Paraw Regatta 2016 mesmerized the crowd at West Visayas State University Cultural Center on February 19, 7PM. Embracing a visionary trinity advocacy for the grandest and most relevant beauty pageant in the region with a heartfelt cause for cultural heritage, ecology and inner beauty, Miss Paraw Regatta never fails to entertain and megnify the vision of the Paraw Regatta Festival this year with a geniune tribute to share the relevance of the legendary "Barter of Panay" connected to the tradition of the oldest sailing sports event in Southeast Asia.
The pageant opened with stunning 3D animated logo created by Kuris-AMX Multimedia and live performance of invocation, national anthem, Iloilo City hymn and the "Barter of Panay" cultural chant by Kinaadman Choir, a nationally-awarded chorale group of John B. Lacson Foundation Maritime University, combiningold traditional oral chants, faith devotion and sharing it in contemporary style without losing its deep cultural meaning. Iloilo Paraw Regatta Foundation President, Dr. Ronald Sebastian shared his inspiring opening message.

Depecting the elements of the Earth and cultural tribute for the legendary 10 Bornean Datus of Srivijian Empire who arrived in the shores of Panay in the 12th century, the 24 official candidates of Miss Paraw Regatta entered onstage with multi-colored and cultural-inspired Malay-Bornean Cultural Costumes. The ladies introduced themselves with confidence and sheer passion by representing their respective provinces with deep pride and gladness.
After their grandiose entrance and introduction, the 24 candidates entered onstage wearing the beautifully-designed cocktails designed by Ilonggo designer Nic-Nic Manderico. The pre-pageant, corporate and special awards were given to the distinguished candidates who manifested grace, exceptional performance and glowing beauty. Moreover, the Top 15 was announced leading to the next phase of the pageant - the Swimsuit Competion. The John B. Lacson dancers showcased a beach-inspired dance together with the non - Top 15 candidates intro, highliting a grand entrance of the Top 15 wearing colorful Swimsuits courtesy of SM Department Store and Ilonggo Bridal Designer Eric Sua-an. The Top 10 candidates were revealed leading to the last phase of the competition - the Evening Gown Competion and Top 5 Final Interview.

The pre-pageant video coverage and clips coutesy of Jehu Rampola Photography, Anthony Estancia of BluAntz Studio and Creativebox Photography were flashed onscreen including the candidates rest and recreation activities at Damires Hills Tiera Verde Inland Resort.
Highlighted by a graceful dance number from John B Lacson dancers, the Top 10 finalists captivates and flaunts their elegance in the Evening Gown Competition with exclusive designs by Ilonggo fashion designer, Carlo Simoy. After a short pre-pageant video showcase break, the Top 10 were trimmed down to Top 5 for the Final Interview that includes candidates number 25 Hannah Vargas from the Province of Capiz, number 5 Marsha Layson from the Province of Iloilo, number 8 Tarilaye John Beke from the Province of Antique, number 22 Freina Pungot from the Province of Capiz and number 16 Vanessa Tse Wing from the Province of Iloilo. The ladies answered the question: "As a beauty a queen, how would you carry the legacy of Paraw Regatta Festival to inspire Western Visayas to embrace their true cultural identity?" with witty insights and perspective, giving the crowd a reason for cheers and admiration.
The 2015 Queens of Miss Paraw Regatta composed of her majesty Jona Sweett who won Miss Philippines Earth Eco-Tourism 2015, and royal court - Roxanne Divinagracia who bagged the title as Miss Filipinas Heritage - Culture 2015 and Angela Yagaya - Top 10 Aliwan Festival Queen and Miss Bikini Philippines, showcased their charm and grace during their farewell walk.

(L-R) Miss Paraw Regatta 3rd Runner-up Freina Pungot, 1st Runner-up Marsha Layson, Iloilo Paraw Regatta President Dr. Ronald Sebastian, Miss Paraw Regatta Queen 2016 Vanessa Mae Tse Wing, Miss Earth 2016 Angelia Ong, Iloilo Paraw Regatta Foundation Board of Trustees Dr. Felipe Uygongco, 2nd Runner-up Hannah Vargas, 4th Runner-up Tarilaye John Beke

(L-R) Miss Paraw Regatta 2016 Vanessa Mae Tse Wing, Miss Earth 2016 Angelia Ong, 2nd Runner-up Hannah Vargas and 4th Runner-up Tarilaye John Beke

(L-R) Miss Philippines Earth Eco-Tourism 2016 and Miss Paraw Regatta 2015 Jona Sweett, Miss Filipinas Heritage Culture 2015 and Miss Paraw Regatta Earth Iloilo Province Jay Roxanne Divinagracia, Miss Paraw Regatta 2016 Vanessa Mae Tse Wing and Miss Paraw Regatta Aliwan 2015 and 2015 Top 10 Aliwan Festival Queen/Miss Bikini Philippines Angela Yagaya.

Finally, the distinguished set of judges led by Miss Philippine Earth 2015 and Miss Earth International 2015, Angelia Ong choose their winners. Gorgeous Antiquena from the Province of Aklan Tarilaye John Beke and Province of Capiz representative Freina Pungot were declared as 4th Runner-up and 3rd Runner-up, respectively. Another pride of Capiz, Hannah Vargas was announced as 2nd Runner-up. Province of Iloilo's bet Marsha Layson was crowned as 1st Runner-up. Vanessa Tse Wing, a captivating and witty Ilongga representing the Province of Iloilo was surprised to be declared and crowned as Miss Paraw Regatta 2016.
This year's Miss Paraw Regatta Queens will represent various national beauty pageants, emulating the feat achieved by last year's winners who made an impact in various national pageant. 1st Runner-up Marsha Layson will represent Paraw Regatta Festival in the annual Aliwan Festival Queen on March. Hannah Vargas will represent Iloilo City in the yearly Miss Filipinas Heritage beauty pageant. Vanessa Tse Wing, this year's Miss Paraw Regatta Queen will be sent to represent Iloilo City in the Miss Philippines Earth 2016.
Miss Paraw Regatta is holds the distinction as the only Western Visayas-based beauty pageant whose three winners won titles and made an impact in various national pageants in one year. The pageant is unique by vision and advocacy with emphasis on cultural heritage, ecologgical preservation and inner beauty. It is the only pageant in the region with three versions of original theme songs (Samba, Bosa Nova and Pop Dance) produced by RSLPhoenix Music, an independent creative and music production team that suits the concept of beauty, advocacy and grace. The pageant is also the grandest with 24 candidates representing various province in Western Visayas, produced and organized by Iloilo Paraw Regatta Foundation, Inc., Iloilo City Government and the Province of Iloilo.