Mutya ng Dabaw 2026 Candidates Impress in Interview Round at Sta. Lucia Mall
The candidates for Mutya ng Dabaw 2026 took center stage during the highly anticipated interview round, held at the Sta. Lucia Mall Convention Center on March 15, 2026. This event was a key part of the celebrations for Araw ng Dabaw, drawing a large audience eager to witness the contestants' performances.
Segments and Highlights of the Interview Round
The interview round featured three distinct segments designed to test the candidates' wit, personality, and perspectives on social issues. These included the Emoji Cue Round, the Mutya-to-Mutya Round, and the TaranTanong Round, each offering unique insights into the contestants' characters.
Batch 1: Views on Cancel Culture
Batch 1, comprising Mutya 9, Mutya 13, Mutya 14, and Mutya 1, faced challenging questions. During the TaranTanong Round, Mutya 13 expressed a strong stance against cancel culture, stating, "I'm actually not in favor of cancel culture because cancelling someone also means that you are not allowing them a chance for redemption. Instead, we need to hold them accountable and allow them to grow as persons." Her response earned applause from the audience, highlighting the importance of accountability over cancellation.
Batch 2: Preferences and Personal Definitions
Batch 2 included Mutya 11, Mutya 12, Mutya 19, and Mutya 15. In the Emoji Cue Round, when asked about their preference between sneakers and heels, the batch unanimously favored sneakers for comfort. Mutya 12 noted, "I prefer sneakers over heels. However, wearing heels makes you very elegant." During the Mutya-to-Mutya Round, Mutya 19 defined herself as a 'leader girl', emphasizing her holistic approach to embracing both good and bad aspects of her personality.
Batch 3: Advocacy and Digital Age Roles
Batch 3 featured Mutya 7, Mutya 17, Mutya 2, and Mutya 18. In the TaranTanong Round, a question from an online viewer asked how a Mutya could promote peace, critical thinking, and national unity beyond advocacy. Mutya 2 responded, "To be Mutya is not just to wave our hands in front of many people, but is someone who is a torch to bring hope for the youth, especially now that we are facing a crisis." Mutya 7 added her perspective on peace in the digital age, saying, "Peace doesn't just start between government halls; peace also starts within us, and if we want change, change must start within ourselves."
Batch 4: Culinary Preferences and Personal Journeys
Batch 4 consisted of Mutya 6, Mutya 8, Mutya 16, and Mutya 20. During the Emoji Cue Round, when asked about eating balut, a Filipino delicacy, most candidates expressed enjoyment, though Mutya 16 shared a surprised reaction. In the Mutya-to-Mutya Round, Mutya 8 described winning as "the culmination of all the hard work" and a start for advocating for women. Mutya 6 summarized her journey as "transformative", highlighting resilience after setbacks.
Batch 5: Authenticity and Leadership in Davao
The final Batch 5 included Mutya 3, Mutya 4, Mutya 5, and Mutya 10. In the TaranTanong Round, a live audience member asked about the responsibility of a Dabawenya in protecting Davao's identity. Mutya 3 emphasized authenticity, stating, "I believe that leadership is a very important thing in our society, and it starts with being original and authentic, with integrity." She likened true leadership to a bridge connecting purpose with action and people with hope.
Conclusion of the Event
The interview round concluded with enthusiastic cheers from the audience, marking a significant milestone in the pageant's journey toward crowning the next Mutya ng Dabaw. The candidates demonstrated not only their beauty but also their intelligence and commitment to social issues, setting a high standard for the competition.
