Nineteen-year-old Erika Cassandra Ballon from Barangay Maybunga was crowned the "Mutya ng Pasig" 2023, winning against 27 other contestants during the pageant coronation night on Saturday, June 24 at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City.
After her exemplary performance in the preliminary rounds of the pageant, Ballon sealed the "Mutya ng Pasig" title during the question and answer (Q&A) portion of the event, wherein she was asked, "How can you help to empower the women of Pasig?"
"As a young woman, I have already experienced the reality of life, and that pushed me to work so much on myself so that I can become a better woman. I know that winning this crown is an opportunity to inspire the youth here in Pasig, especially women, because what they need is a woman who is empowered, who can guide them to be the women they want to be," she replied.
Pasig PIO / MANILA BULLETIN
Aside from the coveted crown, Ballon also won “Best in Evening Gown,” and received a P250,000 cash prize from the Pasig City government.
Earning the first runner-up title spot was Shekainah Jones Tamayo from Barangay Caniogan. She won the special award for “Acquire Choice Award.”
In second place was Kathleen Ausejo from Barangay Santolan, who also won “Best in Swimwear.”
Alessandrea Denise Alonzo Tan from Brgy. Pinagbuhatan, who also reached the Top Five, won three awards – the “Massage Avenue Choice Award,” “Best in Advocacy,” and “Most Photogenic.” Vivien Reyes Panopio from Brgy. Pinagbuhatan, who was included in the Top Five, won “Miss Congeniality” and “Best in Ramp.”
Among those who were included in the Top 10 and won special awards were Marielle Angelyn Valler from Brgy. Manggahan with the “Beaufort Choice Award;” Clarence Danica Sanchez from Brgy. Manggahan with “Best in Talent;” Louise Alexa Etiong from Brgy. Sta. Lucia with “Best in Modern Filipiniana;” and Justine Marie Fuentes from Brgy. Pinagbuhatan with the “People’s Choice Award.”
Other special awards winners were Kyla Louise De Guzman from Brgy. Bagong Ilog with both the “Russ Cuevas Choice Award '' and “Best in Casual Wear;” and Ashley Canda from Brgy. Palatiw as “Miss Punctual.”
Pasig PIO / MANILA BULLETIN
The special awards were given based on the performances of the contestants during the pre-pageant activities such as the swimsuit, evening gown, and modern Filipiniana showcase.
The 28 beauty queens also underwent panel interviews to test “their quick thinking, eloquence, and grace under pressure.”
Hosted by KC Montero and Angelee Claudette Delos Reyes, the winners were judged on coronation night by a panel consisting of Ylana Aduana, Desiree Verdad-Abesamis, Daniel Matsunaga, JC De Vera, Neil Coleta, Raymond Saldaña, and Patrick Henry Mergano. The coronation night was hosted by KC Montero and Angelee Claudette Delos Reyes.
EA Guzman and Joey G of Side A also performed at the event.
Pasig City Mayor Vico Sotto, Vice Mayor Robert “Dodot” Jaworski Jr., and the 11th City Council graced the ceremony.
The local government revived the "Mutya ng Pasig" pageant as part of the city's celebrations for the upcoming 450th founding anniversary on July 2. The pageant was last held in 2017.