MABALACAT CITY — The annual beauty pageant here has taken an international twist with the theme “Ambassadress To The World” in support of Mayor Marino “Boking” Morales’ vision for this city to be a “Gateway To The World.”
This newly-converted component city is host to the nearby Clark International Airport which is now the hub of low-cost carriers flying to various international destinations.
Some 5,000 spectators who gathered for this year’s Coronation Night at the Xevera Mabalacat multi-purpose hall over the weekend were taken around the world – in Thailand, China, Venezuela, USA, Greece, Paris, Austria, UK, and the Philippines in an elaborate set-up with giant LED screens through various production numbers, songs, dances and intermissions.
The three-hour Coronation Night was star-studded, attended by perennial judges: international fashion designer Renee Salud, renowned hairstylist and make-up artist James Cooper, character actor Ricardo Cepeda and fashion model Marina Benipayo. Joining them this year was renowned dance choreographer Douglas Nierras and fast-rising teleserye actor Richard Yap who serenaded the 17 candidates.
The electricity of the event was never subdued even during a 20-minute brownout after a power generator set broke down. It was not a reason for the crowds to diminish, according to chief pageant organizer June Magbalot who compared the incident to the 36-minute brownout at the just concluded Superbowl in New Orleans, USA last Feb 4.
Mayor Morales announced this year’s winners led by newly-crowned Miss Mabalacat City 2013 Arlyn Anunciacion, a 25-year old lass from Barangay San Francisco who finished her primary and secondary schooling in the Bronx, New York. She is now taking up nursing at the Angeles University Foundation.
Completing her court are 1st runner-up Laurene Leonardo, 2nd runner-up Narane Guvarra, 3rd runner-up Jessielyn Fernandez, and 4th runner-up Mary Rose Antonio.
Meanwhile, Magbalot, who has long been at the forefront of beauty pageants such as the Mr. and Miss Mabalacat and original cultural presentations like the Caragan Festival, said he takes pride in the fact that he organized the first ever Miss Mabalacat City this year.
Because of his success, Magbalot’s name has become synonymous to pageants and events not only here but elsewhere.
The recent successes of Mabalacat City in provincial and regional competitions like the first prize in “Pamamumupul Festival” at Provincial Capitol last December 2012 and the recent Dulansangan were testament to his mettle.
In the Dulansangan – a street dance/dramatization in the Fiesta Republica in Malolos City – Mabalacat City won for Pampanga the first and only prize as it represented the province in the competition.
The production number was entitled “Laban Ng Kapampangan, Laban Ng Bayan” which depicted Pampanga’s revolt against Spanish colonization.
Under Magbalot’s direction and choreography, Pampanga highlighted the role of Aetas in the Spanish war where they fought side by side with the “unats” or lowlanders.
The unats took care of the wounded while the Aetas taught them survival techniques in the mountains.
The Aeta actors were treated like stars during the four consecutive days of rehearsals for Dulansangan with unlimited food provisions, allowances, transportation, and well-maintained sleeping quarters.
At least 100 actors, including the Aetas, were rehearsed by Magbalot non-stop in only four days in preparation for the competition.
Around the world in Mabalacat City has now come of age.
