#TurningPhenomenal Series No. 12
Her name is Gezza Avila.
Neither a newbie nor an uber familiar face for some.
She reigned as Binibining Niyogyugan 2018, competed during Mutya ng Pilipinas Gold and went on to join the Ambassadress of the World Philippines where she earned the right to represent the country in the supposed inaugural edition of Miss Universal Ambassador that somehow failed to stage an international pageant.
Late last year, Gezza was appointed to be our representative to the Miss Elite International competition in Egypt. But it appears that going the #phenomenal route is more preferred. And I can only agree.
This Candelaria native is being talked about as the entry of Quezon Province in Miss Universe Philippines 2021. And this could be the biggest challenge in her pageant career. One she is ready to face head-on.
This blog entry will read like a throwback within a throwback. Just like Binibining Pilipinas, Mutya ng Pilipinas has already reached its Golden Anniversary last 2018 – fairly more recent but still full of pride and glory. For a national pageant to successfully make it through five decades is an achievement that stood the test of time. And its long list of titleholders and international winners gave their share to the country’s performance record in other beauty competitions – prime of which were Miss Asia Quest-turned- Miss Asia Pacific Quest-turned-Miss Asia Pacific International, Miss Tourism International and during selected periods – Miss World, Miss Intercontinental, Miss Tourism Queen of the Year International, Miss Tourism Metropolitan International, Queen of Clubs International and Best Model of the World.
And just to complete the throwback, allow me to share the grand opening number and crowning moments of the 50th Mutya ng Pilipinas held at the Mall of Asia Arena last September, 2018. This was a monumental effort spearheaded by then President Hemilyn Escudero-Tamayo (right photo with Joy Arguil and I) who pulled out all the stops to make the production her farewell legacy for the pageant institution.
It is interesting to note that when actress Kim Chiu wore that Benj Leguiab IV gown (made fun of in different memes like the one above) during the recently-concluded ABS-CBN Ball 2019, she mentioned in her vlog that it was made for her by the designer only around two months ago. 
Here are photos from the formal sendoff at Aposento Makati held in honor of Mutya Ng Pilipinas Tourism International 2018 Juliane “Aya” Fernandez (the younger sister of Bb. Pilipinas International 2008 Patricia Fernandez) who will soon leave for Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia to represent the country in Miss Tourism International 2018/2019. She is 100% ready to face the challenge of going for a back-to-back win with Jannie Loudette Alipo-on who won the title last year as the 2017/2018 winner.
The Philippines comes out on top in Miss Asia Pacific International! And she won two big crowns in less than a month’s time!
It doesn’t usually happen to a national beauty pageant winner to be given just twelve hours or so to prepare for her international mission. 
A fresh young ingenue from Sultan Kudarat was crowned Mutya ng Pilipinas Asia Pacific International and will now head straight tomorrow to officially represent the Philippines in Miss Asia-Pacific International 2018 which will have its Press Presentation on Tuesday afternoon. Sharifa Akeel got her wish of getting the top title amd is game enough to forego the post-coronation rest. She will have her photoshoot in the daytime and get herself acquainted with the almost 50 other international delegates. 
My Top 8 are:
She’s not like everyone else. Her unique personality quirks are a joy to watch such that one can’t help but find her beautifully endearing. And if that’s not enough, she has a heartwarming nature that will never go unnoticed. Truth be told, I like Pauline Amelinckx for the entirety of who she is, and not just the polished facade most everyone adopts in their best behavior. 
Now watch my ambush interview with Pauline earlier this week. You can really sense the kind quality in her character. And I can go as far as saying that she will do the entire Bohol Province, even the Visayas Region, proud this coming Sunday night.
Mary Justine Teng of Muntinlupa City is riding on the wave of positivity in her bid to do well in the 50th Mutya ng Pilipinas. After winning the Darling of the Press award during the Press Presentation, she went on to be named as one of the Sol Y Viento Ambassadors before turning in a good presentation that was awarded 2nd Runner-Up in the Best in Terno Competition held at Ascott BGC. She also did one better for Designer Sony Boy Mindo who was chosen as one of the Top 5 Designers with her modern traditional garb made out of indigenous materials.
I was able to catch Justine right after the awarding of the Best in Terno Competition winners last Tuesday night. She was in high spirits and wants to carry the momentum all the way to Sunday’s Finals.
normannorman.com 