2011 Mutya ning Kapampangan Kimberly Wijangco of Mabalacat shows her winning posture.
Photo by Ric Gonzales
CITY OF SAN FERNANDO – A 21-year-old Information Technology student raised in California, USA was crowned Mutya ning Kapampangan on Friday, giving Mabalacat its first-ever winner in the annual beauty pageant.
Kimberly B. Wijangco of Angeles University Foundation (AUF) bested 21 other candidates at the jampacked Bren Z. Guiao Convention Center here. The 5” 6” new title holder of Chinese descent hails from Barangay San Francisco.
“I don’t expect to win. I am very overwhelmed and very happy,” said Wijangco shortly after winning the title with a top prize of P50,000. Her parents are native of Mabalacat.
Gov. Lilia Pineda and Vice Gov. Joseller Guiao led the awarding of Wijangco, who was also named best in casual wear, best in long gown and best in talent.
Muyta ning Kapampangan 2010 Ritz Ann Riggie Alzul, who became a regular talent of TV 5 network after winning the title last year, relinquished her crown to Wijangco.
“They are all deserving. I hope the new Mutya remains humble,” said Alzul of Sta. Rita town.
Miss World Philippines 2011 First Princess Helen Nicolette Henson of this city said “the Mutya candidates are getting better every year.” She won the Mutya Ning Kapampangan in 2006.
Wijangco drew loud cheers from the audience after answering the final question for the five top finalists. She said her favorite Kapampangan character was “resiliency.”
Wijangco said the people of Pampanga did not just get over the eruption of Mt. Pinatubo in the early 90’s but “managed to shine as well.”
Other winners include Camille Conchita Galang of Angeles City, 1st runner-up; Kathleen Anne Baluyut of Magalang, 2nd runner-up; Fairylane Navarro Changcoco of Arayat, 3rd runner-up; and Anna Camille Tolentino of Guagua, 4th runner-up.
Wijangco thanked Mayor Marino “Boking” Morales and municipal official June Magbalot for “both being very supportive.”
A parade in Mabalacat to honor Wijangco is set, Morales said.
The event was part of the week-long 440th Pampanga Day founding anniversary celebration.
