Barangay San Antonio candidate Mary Endika U. Araja emerged as the most enchanting in a night filled with grace and glamor as she was crowned Mutya ng Pasig 2024.

Araja, a first-time pageant contestant, won the title during the coronation night on June 26 at the Tanghalang Pasigueño. She captivated the audience and judges with her poise, intelligence, and elegance.

Araja said winning the Mutya ng Pasig crown is one of her most outstanding achievements in life.

"It felt surreal, and I’ve achieved something from my bucket list! It was a very overwhelming experience, and I am filled with joy and gratitude to be the new ambassador of the organization and a representative of Pasig," she said.

Araja did not only earn the prestigious title but also took home a cash prize of P150,000.

Barangay San Antonio, Pasig Chairman Raymond Lising congratulated Araja for her outstanding achievement and the honor she has brought to their community.

"Araja's victory is a source of immense pride for Barangay San Antonio. Her dedication and success have truly brought honor to our barangay," Lising said.

Road to the crown

She said the journey to the crown was a mental and physical challenge."But honestly, it is rewarding," she said.

"With the constant training, honing of my public speaking skills, and participating in community events over two months. I have also dedicated most of my time to learning about various social issues affecting Pasig and the world to ensure that I could effectively address my stance on certain issues," she added.

She also attributed her win to her support system.

"They say, 'It takes a village to make a beauty queen.'  I couldn’t have done it without the guidance, trust, and support from my mentors, family, friends, and Barangay San Antonio, which was invaluable," she shared.

The young beauty queen said the support she was getting from them helped her through the many negative criticisms and unsolicited advice from people she did not know.

"I learned how to navigate this small bump by shifting my attention to myself. I remained calm and enjoyed my presence on stage by practicing being mindful and just showing my true self to the Pasigueños watching," she said.

Currently pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Communication Arts at De La Salle University (DLSU), Araja exemplifies the balance between academic excellence and pageantry.

Outside of pageantry, she excels in her studies, as she is included in DLSU's Dean's List; she has rich experience in graphic design, video editing, and marketing and has spearheaded various projects throughout her college life.

Advocacy and sports

The 2024 Mutya ng Pasig is also an all-rounder, as she has previously coached a volleyball team.

Her involvement in sports also powers her to use her title to promote her advocacy for Gender Empowerment and Youth Development through sports.

"I believe that the values sports hold can also be applied in real-life situations; that together we can build a more innovative and prosperous community with respect, sportsmanship, and teamwork," she said.

Araja vowed to work with local organizations to create programs and initiatives supporting youth empowerment. 

She also wishes to spearhead a Short Film Festival in Pasig to promote its vibrant culture. She graduated from St. Paul College in Pasig City under the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Strand.

Mutya and life balance

Effective time management and knowing her priorities are Araja's weapons in balancing her personal life and as the new Mutya ng Pasig.

"Balancing personal commitments, work, and responsibilities to the city and organization as a Mutya ng Pasig requires effective time management and prioritization. I allot my time and schedule for each aspect of my life, to ensure that I maintain a healthy balance for my personal and work life," she said.

"It’s also important to be organized with the number of events and to ask for help from mentors and loved ones when needed. Most importantly, taking time to practice self-care is also necessary to avoid burnout and be driven to attend to my duties and responsibilities," she added.

She said the pageant transformed her from being "Miss Aligaga" to now a woman who stays focused in everything that she does.

The Mutya ng Pasig 2024 was part of Pasig City's celebration of its cityhood.