MNA designers share insights on pre-pageant night

ANGELES CITY – The official couturiers of the Mutya Ning Angeles 2022 shared good words in recognizing the efforts of the city government led by Mayor Carmelo “Pogi” Lazatin, Jr.  for the continuous assistance to their local industry, seeing their creations worn by the candidates.
The MNA ladies showcased their official wardrobe from head to toe and accessories, all of which are Angeleño-made, including creations of Bhraye Adefuin; Jhune Angeles; Cholo Ayuyao; Clarence Ayuyao; Richard De Jesus; Enji Dobluis; RJ Guevarra; Bryan Henson; Carl John Miranda; Glenn Pablo; Rich Sabinian; Michelle Viray; and Manny Ocampo; and the customized heels of Bong Gonzales.
Lazatin’s Chief Adviser Calaguas said that one of the aims of Mayor Lazatin in holding the MNA 2022 is to promote the local works and talents of couturiers in Angeles City, aside from recognizing the beauty and wit of Angeleña ladies and the resiliency of Angeleños.
“Flashy cameras, spotlight, a centerstage, and 18 lovely ladies vying for the crown of Mutya Ning Angeles 2022, with the locally-made wardrobe of our talented designers,” Executive Assistant IV Reina Manuel said, also the Chairperson of the MNA 2022 Working Committee.
MNA 2022, which is celebrating its 30th year on Dec. 8, 2022, is another priority project of Mayor Lazatin, co-presented by Beautéderm Corporation.
Michelle Viray,  one of the official couturiers of MNA 2022, who is in the service for 10 years, said the experience is rewarding for her,  sharing some of their masterpieces and seeing them worn by the lovely candidates.
“My team and I are glad and grateful to be featured alongside other wonderful designers during the Mutya Ning Angeles 2022 pre-pageant. It was a privilege to be part of this event,” Viray added.
For Cholo Ayuyao, also one of the official designers of the pageant, said that it has been a while since something big like this is happening and it was an honor to be part of it.
“It was a good feeling to participate more than anything,” Ayuyao said, who has been in the service for 22 years.
RJ Guevarra further highlighted the individuality and uniqueness of each designer, being amazed during the portion of the evening gown where all candidates showcased red long gowns designed and created by the official couturiers.
“Grateful ako for the opportunity and was able to contribute my talent,” Guevarra said, being engaged in the fashion industry for 22 years.
Clarence Ayuyao, who has been in the service for 22 years, also cannot contain his overwhelming feeling seeing his hard work pays off, being eager to see his  creation being worn by the candidate.
“Since we weren’t able to do a fitting, to my surprise it did fit her well and I saw how I envisioned my candidate during the pre-pageant.. I was really happy,” Ayuyao said.
On behalf of the official designers, Bryan Henson thanked Mayor Lazatin and the MNA Working Committee for recognizing Angeles City designers.
“I was so thankful to be a part of this Organization and the journey of the candidates. Thank you all to the organizers and committee for recognizing us Angeles City designers, most especially to our beloved Mayor Lazatin, Ma’am IC Calaguas and maam Reina Manuel,” Henson said, who has been in the industry for 8 years.
This was also echoed by Richard De Jesus, who has served more than three decades in the service, saying that his fellow designers did beautiful gowns for the ladies, and this became possible because of the initiative of the Lazatin administration to officially include them as the couturiers of the candidates.
“My fellow designers did beautiful gowns as well. The candidates, everyone really performed well on stage. They really did their best and congratulations sa lahat ng Mutya. Congrats also and thank you to our beloved Mayor Lazatin,  Ma’am IC Calaguas, Ma’am Reina Manuel and also to Ms. Rosette, Marlon and Frederick, thank you for making us part of Mutya ning Angeles,” De Jesus said.
Jhune Angeles, meanwhile said that the gown creations of the candidates are classy and elegant thus transforming a candidate’s aura and beauty during the pageant.
“As a designer being tasked and commissioned to create gowns for Mutya Ning Angeles candidates, it has always been a privilege on my part that I get to do and dress up candidate/s that were assigned to me,” Angeles said, who is in the service for 34 years.
The MNA 2022 is set to hold its coronation night on Dec. 8, 2022 at the Grand Palazzo Royale where the grand winner will receive ₱1 million worth of prizes.
The MNA 2022 Working Committee being chaired by Calaguas and Manuel are with members Frederick Policarpio, Marlon Tuazon, Rosette Ramos-Biag, Angeles City Tourism Officer-in-Charge Anneleen Antonio-Sugui, Angeles City Economic Development and Investment Promotions Office Head Irish Bonus-Llego, ACTO Consultant Cecille Flores-Sanchez, Marna Dagumboy-Del Rosario, GR Esguerra, and Poklong Guina.
The MNA Committee further thanked all the major sponsors, minor sponsors, and patrons of the pageant, as well its co-presenter Beautéderm.