By Cesar ‘Boyet’ Loverita
What an unconventional beauty pageant!
The Mutya san Ibabao beauty contest has incorporated a unique underwater adventure into its competition. It is not just a “showcase of beauty and grace, but also a bold advocacy for marine conservation and tourism” in the province, according to organizers.
This creative initiative, spearheaded by the Office of the Governor Edwin Ongchuan, was developed in collaboration with Tugkad Free-diving, a group of young professionals dedicated to promoting the underwater wonders of Northern Samar. They said the freediving challenge was a “bold and unprecedented move in the realm of pageantry, aligning beauty with bravery, purpose, and environmental awareness.”
Dr. Sandee Mahusay-Tan of Tugkad, along with team leader July Sumayop, led the training and coordination efforts.
“This was not an easy task,” Dr. Tan shared. “Out of 17 candidates, seven were non-swimmers and two had past experiences with near-drowning. Building their confidence in the water was a slow, careful, and emotionally sensitive process.”
The training program began with lectures on the basics of freediving and marine conservation. This was followed by a pool session, where candidates learned swimming and breath-hold techniques, and eventually progressed to two open water dives. The transition from pool to depth proved challenging, especially with the common issue of ear pain due to underwater pressure. “We practiced equalization drills to help them manage the pressure and make the experience safe and enjoyable,” added Sumayop.
One of the most difficult parts of the challenge was the underwater photo shoot. Candidates wore flowing dresses and accessories, which affected buoyancy and movement. “It was a logistical challenge,” said Dr. Tan. “We had to ensure the safety of each candidate while also making sure the dresses looked stunning underwater.”
Tugkad implemented rigorous safety protocols, including safety divers stationed at multiple levels, buoy lines, and standby medical personnel and responders from the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO).
Even the underwater photographer Ben Celis had to be monitored and assisted despite being an experienced diver, highlighting the level of care given to every aspect of the shoot.
But the effort paid off. The stunning underwater images captured the elegance, courage, and environmental commitment of the Mutya san Ibabao candidates, gaining admiration both locally and online.
“Once we saw the results, all the hard work and hurdles vanished,” Dr. Tan said. “It was all worth it.”
The coronation night held on June 13, 2025 in Catarman Capitol Gym, marked the culmination of a pageant that has truly gone deeper—in every sense of the word.
