Dutch-Pinay moms sweep Mrs. Philippines Europe 2010

By Loui Galicia, ABS-CBN Europe News Bureau
Posted at 04/22/2010 12:37 PM | Updated as of 04/23/2010 11:56 AM


LISSE, The Netherlands - It was a clean sweep for Dutch-Filipina mothers in a beauty pageant held recently in Lisse.

In the dressing room, 12 Pinay mothers from Germany and Holland scrambled to perfect their make-up and hairdo to look their best for their walk on the ramp. These mothers are not models for a fashion show but contestants in the Mrs. Philippines Europe 2010.

It was a grand slam for 36-year-old Maharlika Lopez from the Netherlands who bagged about a dozen of the special awards and the most coveted crown.

The divorcee, who is a mother of 2, was unanimously picked by Dutch judges to be crowned as Mrs. Philippines Europe 2010.

“I am privileged to have joined the competition and I have a lot of respect for Mia Van Eendenburg [organizer] for organizing this event, and most especially, it’s for the goodwill,” Lopez said.

Chosen as Ambassador of Goodwill 2010, from votes via the Internet, was 4th runner up Dutch-Pinay Suzette Charambas, who was also the crowd favorite.

The rest of the finalists were also Dutch-Pinays: 3rd runner up Alma Zoleta, 2nd runner up Helen Ligutom,


Even if the pageant was open to all married Pinays in Europe, the event became a battle between Holland and Germany.

The competition gave a rare opportunity for Pinay mothers, regardless of age, to show their never-fading beauty and talents.

In fact, one contestant was 52-year-old Merl Mayr, a mother of 2 and a nurse in Germany. In introducing herself, she said she is proud that she has reached the golden age and just loves joining beauty pageants. In fact, Mayr has already joined quite a few in her lifetime.

Ambassador Cardozo Luna’s wife, who believes in the power of women, was so impressed with the event and the organizer.

“We have self confidence and we should show it that’s why I like being in a community like this, at shows, programs and pageant like this, with these kababayans showing their sense of pride,” Joyce Luna said.

The event was a tremendous success with more than 600 tickets sold that Pinay organizer Mia Van Eendenburg became emotional when she delivered her opening speech.

She was overwhelmed by the warm reception and the big support from her kababayans in Europe.


She said the event proved that Filipinos in Europe can indeed unite and help each other’s causes.

“Ang unang obheto namin eh ma-connect sa Filipino community within here in Europe,” Van Eendenburg said.

The beauty pageant was attended by Pinoys and Europeans who came from the different countries in Europe to support their candidates.

“This pageant can bring the people together. There are people coming from Holland but also from Germany. They’re putting together their efforts. This is a good sign,” said Pinay Connie Kinkel.

After the event’s huge success, it is expected that more married Pinays in Europe will join next year’s contest.

SOURCE: WWW.ABS-CBNNEWS.COM

http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/global-filipino/04/22/10/dutch-pinay-moms-sweep-mrs-philippines-europe-2010