CITY OF SAN FERNANDO – A dean’s lister at the San Beda College (SBC) is one of the early favourites among the 22 candidates of the Mutya Ning Kapampangan 2012 pageant.
Justine Michelle D. Balgan of Macabebe town is an 18-year-old financial management sophomore whose grade point average is 1.369 for the last two years.
“I am in a group of equally capable winners. I simply enjoy being with them and bond with the girls,” said Justine, who was also an awardee as student council president at the SBC in 2011.
Justine, who stands 5 feet and 7-1/2 inches tall, said “I am amazed by taller candidates even younger than me.” She was referring to 5’ 9" Ruffa Yumang of Apalit and 5" 8" Olive Ann Medina of Mabalacat City.
“It’s an open contest and anyone can win,” added Justine.
Of her grandmother, Macabebe Mayor Annette Flores Balgan, Justine says she gives her more than she needed: “It’s an advantage to have a very kind and protective grandmother.”
“The (mayor) is my idol and I listen to her. She only wants me to finish college and I can do what I want with my life,” added Justine, whose vital statistics are 34-25-35.
She said her grandmother’s desire for her to finish her education is also a bruning desire of her parents, businessman Jan Michael and Janice, a practicing medical doctor based in Quezon City.
Justine said at a young age, she was taught by the mayor and her parents to “work hard and be responsible.”
She works at the family-owned schools in Quezon City and Macabebe town and in their printing business during summers.
Justine said she joined the ‘Mutya’ “because I want being prepped up.”
“I enjoy being shot by photographers and prepared by make-up artists,” said Justine.
But the Miss Macabebe candidate said she doesn’t see herself joining more prominent beauty pageants after the “Mutya.”
“Education is my priority right now so that when I am finished, I can help the family businesses,” said Justine.
“To have a boyfriend is not on my mind yet,” she added in jest.
Justine said she celebrated her 18th birthday last June 10 “without the usual fanfare.” She added that the mayor had insisted that she celebrated her debut “in a big hotel and traditional activities that go along with it.”
Justine said she instead asked Mayor Balgan to let her celebrate with poor people in their town and treated them over simple meals on the date of her birthday.
The Mutya Ning Kapampangan is one of the major events of the 441st founding anniversary celebration of the province set to begin on December 4.
