From simple probinsyana...
Mutya has a very classic take on the Filipina: conservative, simple, family-oriented. Her weekdays were spent shuttling between home and school in her hometown of Sta. Maria, Isabela. Weekends were reserved for relaxing at home, playing in the fields, or spending time with her friends.
The third of six siblings, she has high regard for her family and looks out for their well-being. She took on several modeling stints which enabled her to augment her family’s meager income.
This 20-year old is no stranger to beauty pageants. In fact, Mutya has joined quite a number of them even before winning her current title as Miss Supranational 2013.
However, not all of them resulted in a win.
“It was always my ambition to become a beauty queen, to become an inspiration to others. The first time I set foot in the pageant, I was nervous because I felt that the others were better than I was. I was shy and would hesitate to express myself. Since I grew up in the province, I spoke a different dialect which had an effect on my communication skills.”
It may not have been easy, but Mutya stayed focused on her goal. With renewed determination, she kept trying and fighting. Instead of giving up on her dream, she went hard at work, rigorously training to be the best she could be. She honed her communication skills and became more confident about herself.
“I always strive to maintain a positive outlook in life. I believe I can succeed and I don’t give up on anything. Though I experienced losses, I did not let those setbacks stop me from reaching for my dream. With determination and persistence, I worked hard to achieve my goals.”
To world-class role model
Being a beauty queen is no walk in the park.
“Yes, it is fun,” she admits, “but there is also a lot of hard work and sacrifice involved. In a way, it is like a normal job. It comes with its own set of problems and responsibilities. For instance, I always have to keep in mind that others look up to me. I have to be very conscious of my words and actions, mindful that I have to set a good example for them.”
A beyond beautiful Filipina, she believes, is beautiful inside and out. “Inner beauty is what matters most. However, it does not mean that you should not take care of how you dress and look. I also have to work at maintaining myself. Being presentable boosts your self-esteem.”
Having always taken care of how she looks, especially her long, shiny hair, Mutya’s beauty has definitely taken her to places she had only dreamed of. “Winning the crown gave me a lot
of opportunities. It allowed me to meet many interesting people. I am able to represent our country. I am also able to engage in charity work and other worthwhile causes.”
The crown and sash is not the be-all and end-all for this lady. She sees it as one of her major stepping stones towards higher dreams. “Filipinas are not afraid to tackle life’s challenges. After my reign, maybe I’ll try my hand at show business.”
Things can only get better for Mutya, and she will definitely dazzle everyone as she continues to rise above the rest.
The first Asian and Filipina to bag the Miss Supranational title, Mutya believes that there are no limits to what one can achieve.
“Life is wonderful if you know how to live it. Believe in yourself and don’t let others pull you down. Kung ako na simpleng probinsyana, nakayanan ko itong gawin, kaya rin ito ng iba.”
source: www.abs-cbnnews.com
