On the morning of February 22, 2019 mothers across Puerto Prinsesa City woke up with optimism and excitement. Their goal: To win the one and only prestigious beauty pageant for moms both married and single to represent the city of Puerto princesa in the upcoming Mrs. Palawan, Philippines and in hopes to wear the crown and represent Palawan in the nationals. But to get there, their will, stamina, time management beauty and brains will be put to test.
Every beauty queen has her own story to tell about her success in taking home the crown. But what’s more interesting is the story of a mother who takes a shot at a dream she thought had already expired and juggling her roles as wife, mother, daughter, friend and career woman.
Mrs. Palawan, Philippines search begins with an idea providing a platform for married women and single moms to showcase their accomplishments as a catalyst for women empowerment. This journey begins as Maruj Encoy of Ruj Productions said that she wants to empower women through this pageant and give them chance to shine and also this pageant will serve as a great promotion of Palawan.
“Para makatulong sa kanila, empowering women ito, at siguradong susuportahan ito ng mga nanay na for sure kahit hindi sila sumali matutuwa sila sa pa-event na ito. And isa rin sa dahilan is para matulungan ang promosyon ng Palawan, hindi lang puro paganda kundi dala natin ‘yong pangalan ng Palawan,” Encoy said.
The first screening happened on February 16, at the Best Western Plus Ivywall hall were 12 candidates showed up and gave their best to impress the set of jury composed of Maruj Encoy, Antwon Bayquen Sanchez of SITEL and Jobel Policarpio Sylvestre of Exquisito Gowns and Suits. February 22 was the final screening together with official photoshoot which was done at Daluyon Pool Bar at Ivywall and the press-con were the candidates will be tested in answering questions, members of the press will choose one candidate as the winner of the “Darling of the Press.”
All 19 candidates have different career paths, from being a Coast Guard to a hotel manager. They were asked the same question, which was “What is your edge in winning this competition?” And the one whose answer stood out was candidate number 12, Catherine Losanes.
“Para po sa akin, ‘yung edge po na meron ako is being optimistic is one of my assets here and my strong personality being those struggles na napagdaanan ko and most of all I have a strong faith in God na pwede ko rin pong ma i-share ‘yun sa bawat isa, na kahit po hindi po ako married and nagkaroon po agad ako ng baby at the young age, kaya ko pong mapatunayan na hindi po nagtatapos sa pagiging ina ang pagiging strong woman kung baga doon palang po nagsisimula dahil di po lahat nabigyan ng chance maging isang ina and sobrang proud po ako dyan,” Losanes said.
All of the candidates expressed their gratitude to Maruj Encoy for giving them a once-in-a-life time opportunity, a platform, a voice and being a role model especially to their sons and daughters.
Pageant activities are focused mainly to women empowerment and will be promoting: Skills development and employment such as networking, call center trainings, beauty and events services etc., Women rights and promoting Good parenting, tourism and good environmental protection. Mrs. Puerto Princesa, Palawan grand coronation night will be held at the city coliseum on March 16, 7:00 P.M. This is just the start as they will also push forward to each municipality across Palawan to have their own title holder and launch the Mrs. Palawan Philippines grand coronation in June during Baragatan Festival.