2 October 2013 - The Sandigan Association of Paris, France, held its Mutyang Paris 2013 Coronation Night at the Social Hall of the Parish of the Assumption in Passy, Paris in the 16th arrondisement. The Mutyang Paris is a biennial event that aims to celebrate the beauty and talent of Filipinas living in France through a beauty pageant.

Out of the 11 candidates this year, Gratia Claire Areola, was crowned Mutyang Paris 2013. She also won the Ms. Popularity, Ms. Swimsuit, Ms. Talent, Ms. Avon and Ms. Long Gown awards.  Ms. Areola is the younger sister of Filipino-French national Alphonse Areola, one of the rising stars of the Paris Saint Germain soccer team. Lerry Musni and Anisha Mae Cariaga were first and second runners-up. The other recipients of special awards were Rushell Bustamante (3rd runner up and Ms. Filipiniana Gown), Edle Kay Sabado (Ms. Casual and Ms. Friendship), Marie Sharmen Alberto (Ms. Charity and Ms. Photogenic) and Maicy Calma (Ms. Exemplary).

The candidates competed in several categories including casual wear, swimwear, Filipiñana outfit (which were designed and created by Filipinos who are living in France), long gown and question and answer.

On behalf of Philippine Ambassador Cristina G. Ortega, Third Secretary and Vice Consul André Peter C. Estanislao and Cultural Attaché Frankson Ong, attended and judged the event. Before the beginning of the competition, Sandigan Association President Jimmy Pitargue warmly welcomed all the guests and thanked everyone who made the event a success including several Filipino and French nationals who were sponsors. Mr. Pitargue also informed everyone that all proceeds of the event will go towards the charity, Tahanang Walang Hagdan that benefits handicapped Filipinos. The charity is based in the Philippines.

In his remarks, Third Secretary and Vice Consul Estanislao expressed the greetings and congratulations of Ambassador Ortega on the event. Mr. Estanislao also lauded the Philippines’ Ms. Megan Young who was crowned Miss World 2013 in the recently concluded Miss World pageant in Bali, Indonesia. He also paraphrased from Antoine Saint-Exupery’s Le Petit Prince and said that everyone should be reminded that true beauty cannot be seen by the naked eye but emanates from the heart and the soul.

The other contestants for this year’s competition are Luzviminda Cacacho, Knoreen Pangilinan, Lexie Torres and Sandrine Fie. END