BONTOC, MTN. PROV. – The candidate of Mountain Province in the regional cluster of one of the country’s prestigious beauty contest – the Mutya ng Pilipinas 2018, came home last Tuesday, September 4, to meet her “kailyans.” and to promote her advocacies.
Orielle Kim Mateo Bangloy Basali is among the candidates to compete in the Search for the Mutya ng Pilipinas Northern Luzon – regional cluster on September 15 (pre-pageant) and September 22 (coronation night) at Laoag City.
Basali received a warm welcome from the employees of the provincial government; also, the PLGU’s chief executive was elated to meet the candidate during her visit to the Provincial Capitol to pay a courtesy call to the governor.
“When you are up there, show to the rest of our neighbors the beauty and brilliance of an Igorot lady. Rest assured that our utmost support and prayers are with you as you shine during the competition. Whatever will be the outcome of the pageant, please know that we are still very proud of you,” Governor Bonifacio C. Lacwasan, Jr., said.
The governor handed a financial assistance from the provincial government to the candidate and likewise urged her to promote the culture of the people of Mountain Province and its tourist destinations.
The 23 years old Basali, who traces her roots to Besao, Bauko and Sagada of Mountain Province is proud to represent her places of origin in the pageant that puts the beauty of Filipino women in the spotlight.
Growing up in Baguio City has given her a wider opportunity to follow her dreams. She was crowned as Miss Baguio in 2013 and in the following year, she joined a beauty pageant outside the Cordillera and seized the crown for Miss Silka Pangasinan 2014. In 2017, she represented the Chamber of Real Estate and Builders Association (CREBA) – Baguio-Benguet Chapter and was the first runner-up for the 2017 Miss CREBA National Pageant held in Davao.
Allyson Della, her mentor and adviser said that Basali’s resume’ and experiences show that she can compete in national pageant competitions. He said that her dedication and openness to learn are some of her edge.
As an indigenous person, Ms. Basali is advocating for the protection, promotion and preservation of culture. She said that Mountain Province has a diverse and wonderful culture that needs to be passed on to the younger generations.
“Millennials should be aware of their culture and traditions and the first way to preserve these is to practice and teach them to the younger generations,” she said.
The Mutya ng Mountain Province is also keen on raising mental health awareness. She said that this is a serious issue because mental illness is affecting many people and most of the them are not conscious or are struggling in the shadows because they are somewhat ashamed.
Ms. Basali encouraged her fellow youths and other concerned sectors to help her in her advocacy just to break the stigma because many people nowadays, especially the youth are suffering from stress, anxiety and depression. She said that it is important for them to know that they are not alone and talking to someone to share the problem is the first step to recovery.
To support the Mutya ng Mountain Province candidate, one may hit the like button of the facebook page – Mutya ng Pilipinas Northern Luzon and like her in the page. As of this writing (September 5), Ms. Basali has garnered the highest likes in the official facebook page. Further announcements will be posted on how supporters can help their candidates before coronation night on September 22. **Erwin S. Batnag
