Thirty-six remarkable ladies representing their barangays showcased their confidence, beauty, and wit at the annual Mutya ng Taguig pageant last Saturday, May 17.
Supported by the Taguig City local government, this celebration of wisdom and grace provided a platform for the city’s women to amplify their advocacies and visions. Spearheaded by Mayor Lani Cayetano, the pageant featured pre-events highlighting the candidates’ talents and creative advocacy videos, promoting the causes they champion.
A Night of Glamour and Grace
The coronation night dazzled as the 36 candidates graced the stage in stunning swimwear, introducing themselves while proudly wearing sashes representing their barangays. Special awards were presented after the swimwear segment:
- Best in Talent: Aleckxis Maryannza Chuidian (Fort Bonifacio)
- Best in Photogenic: Jewel Joy Lopena (Bagumbayan)
- Miss Congeniality: Yasmira Buleg (New Lower Bicutan)
- Most Creative Advocacy Video: Maricar Bautista (Bambang)
- Darling of the Press: Maria Kisha Anne Bustillo (Ususan)
Narrowing Down the Top Contenders
The first cut revealed the Top 15 candidates from: Bambang, Fort Bonifacio, Ususan, Bagumbayan, North Signal, Katuparan, South Cembo, Upper Bicutan, Hagonoy, Post Proper Northside, Rizal, Tanyag, Tuktukan, East Rembo, and Central Bicutan.
After another swimwear presentation, Yumiq Jam Melad (Barangay Rizal) won Best in Swimwear, and the competition advanced to the Top 10: Bambang, Fort Bonifacio, Ususan, Bagumbayan, Katuparan, Hagonoy, Rizal, East Rembo, Central Bicutan, and Tanyag.
The Top 10 then mesmerized the audience in elegant evening gowns, with Kisha Enaje (Barangay Hagonoy) taking home Best in Evening Gown. The segment was accompanied by a heartfelt serenade from The Bar Codes (Benedix Ramos, Anthony Castillo, and Rollie Lasam).
The Final Showdown
The Top 5 finalists hailed from: Hagonoy, Fort Bonifacio, Katuparan, Rizal, and Tanyag.
In the highly anticipated Q&A portion, the esteemed judges—Christi McGarry, Ian Mendajar, Patrick Ramirez, Chantal Schmidt, and Gidget Dela Cuesta—posed thought-provoking questions.
When Judge Chantal Schmidt asked Barangay Hagonoy’s candidate, “As a beauty queen, you are often asked what sacrifices you have made for the crown. My question is, what are you not willing to compromise for the title?” Her poised and heartfelt response sealed her victory: “To be a beauty queen requires many sacrifices. As a future nurse, I’ve balanced my studies and pageantry. But the one thing I will never compromise is love – my passion for my advocacy. I fight for child [cause], and if wearing this crown doesn’t help me serve my purpose, I won’t accept it. A true beauty queen isn’t just about glamour; it’s about using our voice, wit, and heart to inspire others and uplift our nation. Thank you!”
And the Winner Is…
Krisha Enaje of Barangay Hagonoy was crowned Mutya ng Taguig 2025, with the following runners-up:
- 1st Runner-Up: Fort Bonifacio
- 2nd Runner-Up: Katuparan
- 3rd Runner-Up: Rizal
- 4th Runner-Up: Tanyag
The night celebrated not just beauty, but intelligence, purpose, and the inspiring women of Taguig.
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