NEWSFLASH

MODEL IS NEW 'MUTYA NG PILIPINAS'

Quezon City, May 15, 2000 - A 22-year-old commercial model was crowned the first Mutya ng Pilipinas-Asia Pacific of the new millennium during the pageant's coronation Saturday night at the AFP Theater in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City.

Triumphant Josephine Canonizado of the National Capital Region bested 25 others with her striking beauty, poise and charm. She will compete in the Miss Asia-Pacific Beauty Pageant to be held in the country later this year.

The four runners-up who also earned equally prestigious beauty titles are Marie Pearl C. Acas, Mutya ng Pilipinas-Intercontinental (1st runnerup); Christie Anne de Jesus, Mutya ng PilipinasQueen of the Year (2nd runner-up); Ma. Esperanza Corazon A. Manzano, Mutya ng PilipinasTourism International (3rd runner-up); and Macbeth Abuzo, Mutya ng Pilipinas-Queen of Clubs (4th runner-up). The ladies will likewise compete in international beauty competitions to be held in Malaysia, Germany and Singapore.

Canonizado stood out from the rest during the question-and-answer portion participated in by the five finalists. She was able to confidently express her answer to the question: "With so many problems affecting the country right now, how would you convince the world that the Philippines is still a country of great beauty and beautiful people?"

Canonizado answered: "I guess I will convince the world that the country, Philippines is still a great and beautiful place" by showing them "how great the Philippines is. And despite the fact that the Philippines is actually experiencing a lot of economic problems, I guess I can just tell the outside the world, that with our spirituality, I guess the Philippines will surpass the problems that we have. I will encourage them not to lose faith in the Philippines because I know that the Philippines will attain its progress."

Standing 5 feet 6 inches, Canonizado, who is fondly called Jopay by her family and friends, hugs the tape at 34-24-35. She is born on June 19, 1977 under the sign of Gemini. An accomplished model, Canonizado spends her free time at the beach and underwater as she is fond of scuba diving. Like 1999 Miss Universe first runner-up Miriam Quiambao who made her mark at the international competition when she rose gracefully and humbly after accidentally falling into the stage, Canonizado likewise experienced the same fate in another contest she had joined.

At that time, Jopay, who wore a five-inch shoes, suffered from cramps. It seemed almost inevitable that she would fall on the stage. But her remarkable poise, wit and ability to cope under extreme pressure had her emerge as a victor.

However, Canonizado believes her hardest fall was when her mom left for the United States. The two still keep close contact through the phone and e-mail.

Canonizado was also a recipient of several special awards at the contest such as Best in Swimsuit, Ms. Ponds and Best in Long Gown.

Marie Acas, the new Mutya Intercontinental, is a 23-year-old flight attendant of Air Philippines. Acas, who possesses a 34 ½-27-37 ½ figure, was born on Nov. 20, 1976. This brown-complexioned beauty lost a friend and colleague during the recent Air Philippines crash in Davao. When asked if she would one day allow her child to follow in her footsteps, she said she would do so because for her, accidents happen all the time.

The other five candidates who made it to the ten semifinals were Janice U. Mendoza, Kristine R. Alzar, Ma. Criselda P. Osorio, Cheeryl Joy L. Pulmano and Eden C. Maderal.

This year's pageant proved to be a lot more innovative and entertaining as it incorporated a new feature into the question-and-answer portion of the semifinals.

Talk show host and celebrity manager Boy Abunda served as guest interviewer for the 10 finalists. This particular portion, which yielded significant insights, not only brought the candidates closer to the audience but even regaled them with their sometimes hilarious answers. This quite informal discussion helped break the tense atmosphere.

Other recipients of special awards include Cherrie Marie B. Amante, Miss Friendship; Christie Anne de Jesus, Miss Avon 2000 and Miss Close-up Smile; Macbeth Abuzo, Miss Creamsilk and Miss Photogenic; Renelene P. Dimson, Miss Talent, and Ma. Criselda P. Osorio, Miss Lux Super Rich Star Glamour.

Winners received cash prizes, free accommodation at The Sulo Hotel, Tagaytay Highlands and Matabungkay Resort and a year's supply of beauty products courtesy of the sponsors.

Among the 10 judges were former governor Margarita Tingting Cojuangco, Rep. Danilo Suarez, actress Lorna Tolentino and Dr. Victoria Bello.

The pageant, organized by Carousel Productions, benefits several charitable organizations. This year's beneficiaries are Golden Acres and Nayon ng Kabataan.