The Mutia ti La Union 2026 PrePageant & Talent Night

 The Mutia ti La Union 2026 PrePageant & Talent Night:

The Mutia ti La Union 2026 candidates truly lit up the stage during the Pre-Pageant and Talent Night held at the Speaker Pro Tempore Francisco I. Ortega Convention Center Compound. It was a celebration of beauty, culture, talent, and pride from the different municipalities of La Union.

Emerging as the standout of the night was Bauang, who captivated both the audience and the judges with a performance that was powerful, polished, and unforgettable. Her stage presence and execution made her the undeniable winner of the evening.

Aside from Bauang, here are my Top 5 ladies who truly impressed:

✨ Sudipen – She showcased her amazing vocal prowess paired with a graceful ethnic dance, blending strength and elegance seamlessly.

✨ Bangar – Through her heritage-inspired dance moves, she beautifully highlighted the pride of the abel weaving and panday industry. In a short span of time, she was able to convey culture and craftsmanship with so much passion.

✨ Naguilian – Her song-and-dance number radiated showmanship. Confidence and energy poured out of her performance, proving she knows how to command the stage.

✨ San Gabriel – The Sayaw ti Banko performance was a delightful reminder that folk dance is timeless and never boring. It was vibrant, engaging, and culturally rich.

✨ Tubao – With her alluring and graceful dance moves, she sparkled effortlessly on stage. There was a natural charm in the way she moved that made her captivating to watch.

Shout-out to Rosario for the most adorable talent performance and to Santol for the most true to life with her  monologue of a “Maritess” ending her spiel with “utang sa Store” which a lot can relate.

It was also heartwarming to see Kristine Billy and Anjali reunited at the event — one serving as judge and the other as host. The two Mutia ti La Union 2023 batchmates were both beaming with beauty and elegance, proving that sisterhood in pageantry truly lasts beyond the crown. 💙✨

Text & Photos; Airwind Bautista

1st Regular Meeting of the La Union Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprise Development (MSMED) Council

 The La Union Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprise Development (MSMED) Council convened its 1st Regular Meeting at J&V Hotel & Resort, City of San Fernando, La Union, last February 13, 2026, bringing together key stakeholders to align priorities, review accomplishments, and present the 2026 MSME Development Programs, Projects, and Activities.

The meeting was graced by the presence of the Association of Tourism Industries and Networks in La Union (ATIN LU) Officers and Board of Directors, headed by President Revelie Guevara, together with Founding President Xavier Mercado, Past President Yvette Capiral, Vice President Jojo Go, Secretary Erwin Bautista, Assistant Secretary Fraulein Serduar, and Assistant Treasurer Julius Capiral, signifying strong support and collaboration from the tourism sector in advancing MSME development.

Through collaboration and shared commitment, the Council continues to drive initiatives that empower local enterprises and promote inclusive economic growth in La Union.

#MSMEDCouncil #ATINLU #StrongerTogether #MSMEDevelopment

Asia Rose Simpson of Quezon City was crowned Miss World Philippines 2026

 Asia Rose Simpson of Quezon City was crowned Miss World Philippines 2026 at the conclusion of the pageant held at the Mall of Asia Arena, besting 23 other candidates from across the country and overseas Filipino communities. The final results were announced by Arnold Vegafria, the Miss World license holder in the Philippines.

She succeeds Krishnah Gravidez, who closed her reign with a memorable farewell speech and continues to represent the country as Miss World Asia. The crowning was made more meaningful as reigning Miss World Opal Suchata Chuangsri, together with Krishnah, personally presented the sash—highlighting the strong emphasis on Beauty with a Purpose, the very heart of the Miss World organization.

Coming from a modest background, Asia Rose prepared for the competition largely on her own. She did her own makeup throughout the pageant and wore gowns lovingly made by her mother, a quiet but powerful reflection of her authenticity and determination.

Her journey in the competition was marked by consistency and substance. Asia Rose won two major fast-track events—Talent and Beauty with a Purpose—which secured her place among the semifinalists early on. During the Q&A round, she gave a thoughtful answer on the impact of social media, linking it to youth mental health awareness and her SED (Sports, Emotional, and Dance) initiative that promotes physical, mental, and emotional well-being among young people.

As with many pageants, discussions followed online. Some questioned her pasarela, often comparing it to the more powerful Miss Universe-style walk. However, Miss World traditionally favors a top model walk—poised, controlled, and elegant—over intensity. Asia Rose also proved her stage presence by winning Best in Swimsuit, tying with Miss Ifugao, one of the competition’s most popular candidates.

Meanwhile, pageant observers noted issues surrounding negative remarks allegedly made by a handler during the competition, which some believe may have influenced public perception. Regardless of speculation, the final results remained clear and official.

In the end, Asia Rose Simpson emerged as Miss World Philippines 2026, over the more popular candidates, Davao Region was named Miss Tourism International Philippines, and Valerie West of Ifugao earned the title Miss Global Philippines.

The complete set of winners is as follows

Universal Woman Philippines 2026 — Filipino Community of New York, Marizza Delgado

Miss Tourism Queen of the Year Philippines 2026 — Rizal Province, Lorraine Ojimba

Miss Teen International Philippines 2026 — Sultan Kudarat, Olivia Grace Reilly

First Princess: Manila, Anne De Mesa

Second Princess: Pampanga, Gabrielle Galapia

The outcome reaffirmed what Miss World stands for—purpose, sincerity, and meaningful advocacy, beyond popularity or noise.

WSL World Junior Championships in La Union

 The Department of Tourism – Region I hosted the Welcome and Opening Ceremonies of the WSL World Junior Championships at The Mansion Estate in San Juan, La Union on January 10, 2026.

The event was joined by the Officers of the Association of Tourism Industries and Networks in La Unioneaded by President Revelie Guevara, along with fellow tourism stakeholders, marking a strong show of support for international sports tourism in the region.

From January 11 to 18, the world’s top junior surfers will take on the legendary waves of The Point in San Juan, La Union as they compete for the coveted 2025 World Junior Champion titles. As the first major event of the season, the championship sets the pace for the year and highlights the next generation of global surfing talent.

Presented by Purefoods and Magnolia 100%, the competition also shines a spotlight on La Union’s iconic surf breaks and its laid-back, welcoming surf culture—further cementing the province’s status as a premier surfing destination in the Philippines.

Surfing enthusiasts can catch all the action live at worldsurfleague.com

Thank you Dot RegionOne

#FindTheONEInRegion1 #atinlu #LoveThePhilippines #WSL2026

A mother's love

 As the representative of the Sangguniang Kabataan of the Municipality of Sudipen, Xyra Janell Manabeng was crowned the as Mutia ti Sangguniang Kabataan 2025.

Her confidence and grace on the provincial stage of La Union were not only a reflection of her own dedication, but also the result of the unwavering guidance and mentorship of her mother, Fema.

Behind every strong and determined young woman is a mother whose love serves as both foundation and fuel. Through constant advice, encouragement, and sacrifices, Fema became Xyra Janell’s guiding light—helping her balance her academic responsibilities while faithfully representing her hometown. A mother’s love became her quiet strength, reminding her that dreams are achieved not alone, but through the nurturing support of those who believe in us the most.

Text & photos: Airwind Bautista

Mutia ti Sangguniang Kabataan 2025 is Xyra Janell Manabeng

Mutia ti Sangguniang Kabataan 2025:

The Mutia ti Sangguniang Kabataan 2025 is a pageant that places the spotlight not only on beauty, but more importantly on the candidates and the municipality of the Sangguniang Kabataan they represent. Notably discussed during the press conference was the absence of pageant veterans—those often brought in from outside their towns or even from other provinces just to compete. Instead, what graced the stage were truly La Union’s finest SK leaders—young women who genuinely serve their communities and passionately speak about advocacies they themselves actively work for. Their beauty was fresh, authentic, and a true discovery.

What sets this pageant apart is the candidates’ enthusiasm and dedication to public service. Beyond aiming for prestige and victory for their respective municipalities, they embodied a shared commitment to progress and unity in La Union. Though many were raw in pageantry, what stood out most was their articulateness and sincerity. They spoke from the heart, confidently sharing their roles, responsibilities, and contributions to society as youth leaders.

In the end, the pageant crowned deserving winners who truly represented the spirit of the Sangguniang Kabataan:

Xyra Janell Manabeng was crowned the first-ever Mutia ti Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) 2025.

Sofia Nathalie De Leon of SK Caba, titled Prinsesa ti Panagkaysa, claimed First Runner-Up and also received the Miss Photogenic award.

Angela Mañalac of SK Bacnotan, titled Prinsesa ti Panag-ayat, was named Second Runner-Up.

Genoa Sabado of SK Bangar, titled Prinsesa ti Panagsirbi, secured Third Runner-Up and earned the Unity Torchbearer Award.

Althea Fe Basco of SK San Gabriel, titled Prinsesa ti Panagdur-as, was awarded Fourth Runner-Up.

More than a competition, Mutia ti Sangguniang Kabataan 2025 proved to be a celebration of leadership, service, and the empowered youth of La Union.

Mutia ti Sangguniang Kabataan 2025 will be crowned in La Union on December 20, 2025

 A press conference featuring the candidates of Mutia ti Sangguniang Kabataan 2025 was held at the PDRRMO Training Hall, Barangay Sevilla, City of San Fernando, La Union.

The event was joined by Board Member Harold Dave Sibuma, Provincial SK Federation President, who stood alongside the candidates as they answered questions from members of the media. In his message, Sibuma emphasized that the pageant is intended to be a friendly competition that promotes camaraderie and unity among the youth. He further shared that while there are no plans yet for the winner to advance to a higher pageant or competition, the Mutia ti Sangguniang Kabataan 2025 will actively participate in various SK programs and initiatives across La Union, inspiring the youth to become productive and responsible citizens of the province.

Although not all candidates were able to attend the press conference, meeting the representatives from Agoo, Caba, Naguilian, Pugo, Rosario, San Gabriel, San Juan, Santo Tomas, and Tubao was a meaningful experience. Despite their young age, the candidates showcased remarkable confidence, intelligence, and potential, proving their readiness to shine in the pageant scene.

Witness the Mutia ti Sangguniang Kabataan 2025 candidates as they grace the stage, flaunt their beauty, and showcase their talents during the Pre-Pageant and Talent Show Competition on December 17, 2025, and don’t miss the Coronation Night on December 20, 2025. Both events will be held at the Speaker Pro-Tempore Francisco I. Ortega Convention Center Grounds, Barangay Sevilla, City of San Fernando, La Union.

#LaUnionAgkaysa