Last week, I was able to talk to Mutya ng Pilipinas Asia Pacific International 2014 Eva Patalinjug at the backstage of the Nereku Manila event. And I immediately popped the question about Top Model of the World 2015 and when she is scheduled to leave for Egypt. Ever the sweet and tactful lady, she explained in a most disarming voice that the organizers of Mutya have not formally notified her about the said competition. Her thoughts are that it might already be reserved for one of the upcoming winners of Mutya ng Pilipinas 2015 scheduled to be crowned early September. I couldn’t understand the ‘likely’ snub at first. But the pageant must really want a reliable title to go with Mutya ng Pilipinas Tourism International where the overseas competition is guaranteed.

Eva quickly held my hand and told me that everything is alright because she has other bright plans looming in the horizon. And I quipped, “Bb. Pilipinas next year?” She simply gave me a meaningful smile that all but indicated a loud answer on the affirmative.

I definitely reckon that she can wait for Bb. Pilipinas 2016. After all, isn’t it that Top Model of the World is the same modeling pageant where Janicel Lubina was supposed to be fielded in? And look where she is now – Japan-bound for Miss International 2015.

I simply winked and said, “Who knows? You just might be going to Tokyo next year as well!” 😉