CITY OF SAN FERNANDO–Sheena Rhea Puno, a young, beautiful and intelligent Fernandina, was crowned as “Mutya ning Kapampangan 2012” and new ambassadress of goodwill and beauty in a coronation night held in connection with the 441st Pampanga Day Celebration.
Governor Lilia G. Pineda handed the trophy to Puno and congratulated the winners and all the candidates who shared their time, beauty and talent to make the annual search successful.
The governor is hoping that they would help the province promote not only its progress but its cultural heritage and rich history.
The new Mutya Ning Kapampangan was joined by Macabebe’s Justine Michelle Balgan, 1st runner up; Angeles City’s Marie Eugenie Abeleda, 2nd runner up; Guagua’s Apple Rose Rodil, 3rd runner up; and, Magalang’s Shanice Quizon, 4th runner up.
Candidates who got special awards were Sto. Tomas’ Meily Joy Cordero (Miss Congeniality); Angeles City’s Marie Eugenie Abeleda (Winsome smile); Arayat’s Mary Ann Mungcal (telegenic); Mabalacat’s Olive Anne Medina (Photogenic); Magalang’s Shanice Quizon (Best in Pre-Colonial Costume); Lubao’s Fatima Khokhawalla (Darling of the Press); Guagua’s Apple Rose Rodil (Miss Bellissima and Best in Swim Wear); Bacolor’s Rona Villamor (Best in Casual Wear); San Simon’s Regina Rose David (Best in Talent); and, Apalit’s Ruffa Yumang (Best in Long Gown).
Second District Board Member Frances Olga David Dizon, this year’s Mutya chairperson, thanked Governor Pineda for her overwhelming support to the Mutya Ning Kapampangan’s activities.
“Si Governor Nanay Pineda po ang aking inspirasyon kaya ko po nagagawa ang gampaning iniatang sa akin,” she said.
Dizon also commended the members of the committee and the sponsors who helped and worked hard for the success of the annual search for Mutya Ning Kapampangan. “Kung wala po sila hindi po tayo magtatagumpay,” she added.
The Coronation Night for Mutya Ning Kapampangan held at Bren Z. Guiao Convention Center was attended by some 3,000 well-wishers and local officials from the 19 municipalities and 3 cities of the province.
Local showbiz matinee idol Coco Martin serenaded the candidates vying for the most coveted Mutya ning Kapampangan crown.
Other distinguished personalities who graced the occasion were Vice Governor Joseller “Yeng” Guiao and her wife; First District Board Members Cris Garbo and Krizzanel “Win-Win” Garbo; Second District Board Member Salvador Dimson, Jr.; Third District Board Members Trina Dizon, Monina “Monz” Laus and Raul Macalino; and, Fourth District Board Members Ricardo Yabut and Nestor Tolentino; Apalit Mayor Oscar “Jun” Tetangco; San Luis Mayor Venancio Macapagal; Masantol Mayor Peter Flores; Macabebe Mayor Annette Balgan; Minalin Mayor Arturo “Katoy” Naguit; Sta. Rita Mayor Yolanda Pineda; Mabalacat City Mayor Marino “Boking” Morales; Arayat Vice Mayor Larry Trinidad and Councilor Edith Kabigting; and, former Lubao Mayor Dennis Pineda.
By Joel P. Mapiles
