The Search Is On For the 2009 Mutya Ng Dabaw

DAVAO CITY, Philippines - The search is on for the New Dabawenyas, the 2009 Mutya ng Dabaw in the southern Philippine city of Davao.

As one of the highlights of the 72nd Araw ng Dabaw celebration, the Mutya ng Dabaw represents the enlightened Dabawenya, a strong-willed, outspoken yet charming, confident yet humble woman whose intelligence and skills are dedicated to community building, goodwill and development.

The competition is open to females, single, must be 18 years old and above, a resident of Davao City for at least three (3) consecutive years, and should have involved or shows passion to involve in community development initiatives and issues and concerns.

This chosen Mutya ng Dabaw’s duties and responsibilities include leading the reception team to welcome the city’s guests and attending official social and cultural functions. She will also represent Davao City in special events within and outside the city and is expected to perform her proposed community development project within her reign in partnership with an assigned organization or foundation.

The criteria for this year’s search are as follows: Intelligence (awareness and the ability to analyze issues and concerns, this also pertains to her knowledge of Davao’s history and culture) - 25%, Communication skills (wit and ability to communicate her ideas with substance effectively) - 25%, Personality (refers to her agreeable physical outlook, character traits and behavior including her attitudes towards peers, the community and persons of authority) - 25%, Talent (refers to her special skills and abilities) - 15%, and Quality of Proposed Project Design - 10%.

Entry forms available at the Community Relations Program Office, Rm. 27 2/F City Hall or at the City Tourism Operations Office at Door 8, Magsaysay Park and at Oropesa Dermatology Center, No. 64 Rizal Extension.

Schedule of activities of the Mutya ng Dabaw selection are the following: February 20 – Closed door screening and pre judging of the 15 semi finalists at the Oroderm Hotel; February 22 – selection of the 15 semi finalists at NCCC Mall Activity Center.

And on February 25 – Fashion show and press presentation at Gaisano South; March 2 – Talent Show at Gaisano Mall; March 4 – Fashion Show at China Town 168; March 7 – Closed door pre-judging at Oroderm Hotel and selection of 5 finalists at SM City Event Center; March 10 – community project presentation at Victoria Plaza; March 13 – Gala dinner for a cause; March 14 – Coronation Night at CAP Auditorium. (Ian Garcia)