Mutya ng San Francisco 2024 is my return to the pageantry world again since Mutya ng Karaus in 2018.
What inspired you to participate in this pageant?
What inspired me to participate in this pageant is my young self. My younger self always wanted to join beauty pageants and even dreamed of participating in Miss Universe. Now, I am making that dream a reality.
What qualities do you think are important for a beauty queen?
Positivity and courage are important qualities for a beauty queen. During your journey in a pageant, you will face a lot of criticisms, and it is very important to stay positive and face challenges with courage.
How do you plan to use your platform if you win this pageant?
If I win, it would be a great opportunity to promote my advocacy for the betterment of our community. I will raise awareness about important issues like the high HIV cases. This includes access to sex education and access to contraceptives.
How do you stay confident and maintain a positive attitude during the competition?
I stay confident and maintain a positive attitude during the competition by being authentic. I don’t listen to the negative comments around me because I know myself better.
What challenges have you faced during your pageant journey, and how have you overcome them?
During this competition, I have faced a lot of criticisms and misinformation that made me question if I should continue Mutya ng San Francisco. However, I realized I have to trust the process. No matter what happens or how many struggles I face, the universe will always find a way to give back what I deserve. It’s important to finish what you’ve started because, at the end of the day, you know your own truth.
What do you think sets you apart from the other contestants in this pageant?
My belief in inclusivity and my confidence in embracing who I am truly set me apart. While joining this pageant, I was told that I am too lean for this. Yet, I am confident in my own body and want to show the world that pageants are open to all. Pageantry is a way to express your voice, regardless of body size and shape. No one can stop you from achieving what you want.
How do you balance your pageant duties with other responsibilities in your life?
I balance my pageant duties with other responsibilities by maintaining a strict schedule and prioritizing my tasks. Time management is important, and I make sure to allocate time for preparation, community work, and personal well-being.
What do you think is the biggest issue facing young women today, and how can it be addressed?
The biggest issue facing young women today is the pressure to conform to the standards set by society and social media. This can be addressed by promoting self-love, encouraging authentic self-expression, and creating platforms that celebrate diversity and individuality.
How do you plan to give back to your community if you win this pageant?
If I win, I plan to give back to my community by organizing awareness campaigns and programs focused on health, education, and empowerment. I will collaborate with local organizations to address pressing issues like HIV awareness and prevention.
What advice would you give to young women who are considering entering a pageant?
My advice is to be authentic. Stay true to yourself, embrace your uniqueness, and don’t be swayed by negative opinions. During a pageant, a lot of people will criticize you, but always remember to believe in your abilities and stay focused on your goals.
Address: Brgy. Karaus, San Francisco, Agusan del Sur
Nationality: Half Pakistani, Half Filipina
Education: 1st year Doctor of Veterinary Medicine at Central Mindanao University
Interest: Modeling
Title: Mutya ng Karaus 2018
