Baragatan sa Palawan Festival 2022: Mutya ng Palawan and Saraotan sa Dalan Big Winners

I was privileged to have been invited again to visit one of the world's best islands- Palawan. It was nice to be back in Puerto Princesa to join the festivities of Baragatan sa Palawan Festival 2022. Yes, after a hiatus because of the pandemic, the provincial government of Palawan is all set to showcase their rich culture and attractions in the 3-week merriment.

This year's theme is "Baragatan sa Bagong Palawan Ngayon- Moderno, Progresibo at Kilala Sa Buong Mundo: Legasiya ng Tapat, Mahusay at Epektibong Paglilingkod sa mga Palaweno ng Administrasyon ni Gov. Jose Ch. Alvarez". Deemed as the biggest and grandest festival this year, the organizing committee has prepared a line up of activities for a vibrant celebration.

MUTYA NG PALAWAN 2022

One of the most anticipated events in this year's Baragatan is the crowning of the new Mutya Ng Palawan. Candidates from the different municipalities competed in a series of events including Festival Costume, Swimsuit, Long Gown and Q and A. Last June 22, the Grand Coronation Night was held at the Events Center. It was hosted by Kapamilya Star JC de Vera and Mutya ng Palawan 2011 and Miss Philippines Earth Fire 2012 Thoreen Harvorsen. 

Mutya ng Palawan 2022 Paola Gigi Blaselle | Photo: PIO Palawan FB Page 

Paola Gigi Blaselle of Busuanga was crowned Mutya ng Palawan 2022 and took home 100,000 cash. Completing her court are: Fritzie Mendoza from Taytay- Mutya ng Palawan Tourism; Kristin Mae Santos of San Vicente- Mutya ng Palawan North; Lian Dale Vallena from Puerto Princesa- Mutya ng Palawan South ; and Gillean Jagmis- 1st Runner Up.

Mutya ng Palawan 2022 Winners | Photo: PIO Palawan FB Page 

Mutya ng Palawan 2022 Winners | Photo: PIO Palawan FB Page 

The other finalists who made it to Top 10 include Jirah Ayunan (Aborlan), Kyla de Luz (Cagayancillo), Katrina Ando (Coron), Johnelle Acosta (Rizal) and Rona Sadang (Brooke's Point).

Mutya ng Palawan 2022 Top 10 Finalists| Photo: PIO Palawan FB Page

Special Awards:

• Eliza Mae Castano (El Nido)- Best in Festival Costume
• Rona Sadang (Brooke's Point)- Best in Talent
• Paola Gigi Blaselle (Busuanga)- Best in Evening Gown
• Kyla Katrina De Luz (Cagayancillo)- Miss Friendship
• Yvonne Rodriguez (Araceli)- Coca-Cola Best in Swimsuit
• Jirah Ayunan (Aborlan)- Miss Photogenic

READ: MUTYA NG PALAWAN 2017 PRELIMINARIES

SARAOTAN SA DALAN

Grand Champion Saraotan sa Dalan: Contingent from Municipality of Quezon | Photo: PIO Palawan  FB Page

Another highlight in this year's Baragatan Festival is the Saraotan sa Dalan or the Street Dancing Competition. The scorching sun did not hinder the 7 municipality participants to give their best. Indeed they gave us pomp and show! The costumes, props, music accompaniment and electrifying movements sure wowed the judges and the audiences.

The biggest winner in Saraotan sa Dalan 2022 is the contingent from Quezon. The group won a whopping 1 Million pesos! Magsaysay came in at 2nd and won 750,000 pesos and the group from Brooke's Point landed 3rd and took home 500,000 pesos. Other participants (Kalayaan, San Vicente, Rizal and El Nido) were given 100,000 pesos as consolation prize. (Click HERE for more pictures.) 

Special Awards:

• Best in Musicality and Most Disciplined Group- Municipality of Magsaysay
• Best in Costume, Best in Concept and Best in Production Design- Municipality of Quezon

READ: 7 REASONS WHY YOU SHOULD EXPERIENCE BARAGATAN FESTIVAL IN PALAWAN

FUN TIMES

This is my second time to have attended the Baragatan sa Palawan Festival and as always, it did not fail. Tourists flock this province in Mimaropa Philippines to experience its spectacular beaches and pristine islands and another way to appreciate its rich heritage and culture is to experience this annual festival.

'Baragatan' comes from the Cuyonon word 'bagat' which means 'to meet'. The Baragatan sa Palawan Festival 2022 commemorates the 120th Founding Anniversary of its Civil Government.

SPECIAL THANKS :

• Miss Karen Ganapin, Baragatan sa Palawan Festival Secretariat Head
• Sir C Sammy Magbanua, Executive Assistant to the Governor 
• City Mayor Lucilo Bayron thru Miss Michie Meneses, Senior City Tourism Officer of Puerto Princesa Tourism Office
• Evo Joel Contrivida of Palawanderer
• Niko Mendoza Tan of DYPR