LAOAG CITY, July 24 (PNA)— A 21 year-old Hawaiian model from the paradise island of Maui in Central Pacific bagged the Best in Swim Suit award for Mutya ng Pilipinas 2017 early Sunday held at the Hannah’s Beach Resort and Convention Center in Pagudpud,Ilocos Norte.
Confidently beautiful with her sweet smile as she took the center stage wearing an orange two piece, Savannah Mari Gankiewics, a blend of Filipino, Chinese, Spanish and Vietnamese blood, bested 29 other candidates for the major award that comes with a PHP20,000 cash and sash.
She also received an award as Miss Mutya ng Pilipinas-Hannah’s first runner-up.
Gankiewics is not new to Ilocos region as she traces her roots in Abra province.
In 2015, she bagged the People’s Choice Award at the Miss Super Talent of the World and also participated at the Miss Virginia Teen USA contest in 2013.
Now on its 49th year, the longest-running beauty contest in the country is being participated by imported beauties along with homegrown Mutya contenders from various parts of the country.
This is also the third time that the Hannah’s Beach Resort is hosting said pre-pageant activity to showcase the beautiful attractions of the north.
For retired Philippine Air Force Col. Ricardo Nolasco Jr., hosting beauty pageants such as Mutya ng Pilipinas is just one way of promoting “beauty” the most visited Pagudpud resort is known for.
Other winners in the pre-pageant competition held in Pagudpud are: Jannie Loudette Alipo-on from Navotas City (Miss Mutya ng Pilipinas-Hannah’s 2017, Best in resort’s wear, Best in swim suit first runner-up), Suzanne Perez from California(Miss Mutya ng Pilipinas-Hannah’s 2nd runner-up), Louise Lian Enumerable from Negros Island Region (Most Photogenic), and Arianne Deseree Viado from Pampanga (Best in swimsuit second runner-up)
The grand coronation night is set on August 4 at the Newport Performing Arts Theater, Resorts World Manila.
The winners will represent the country in Miss Asia Pacific International, Miss Tourism International, Miss Tourism Queen of the Year International and Miss Tourism Metropolitan International pageants.(LGA/PNA)