MAGALANG, Pampanga — A 20-year-old singer and composer was crowned Miss Magalang 2023 during the pageant’s grand finals held at the Pampanga State Agricultural University (PSAU) Gym on Sunday.
Gabrielle F. Galapia of Barangay San Jose bested 18 other candidates to win the crown and the right to represent Magalang in the upcoming Mutya Ning Kapampangan 2023. She won P30,000 cash and a scholarship.
Galapia, who is taking up AB Multimedia Arts at the De La Salle-College of St. Benilde, also won the Darling of the Press, Miss Flawless and Studio 47 Choice Award.
Galapia said she had already composed 24 Tagalog and English songs, all of which were published online.
“I didn’t really expect anything when I joined Miss Magalang since it was my first time being part of a pageant. It was way out of my comfort zone and I faced a lot of challenges but I’m very grateful that despite everything that happened, I came out stronger and I ended up winning the title,“ said Galapia.
“There were a lot of people who supported me like my family, friends, the whole barangay of San Jose, and people I met along the way. That gave me the strength to move forward, and with this win, I hope to keep on pushing to become a better version of myself so I can be someone that Magalang will be proud of,” she added.
The other winners: are Thrisia Mae Torres of San Isidro, 1st runner-up; Rochelle Ann Ocampo of Sta. Cruz, 2nd runner-up; Ayrisse Jan Abdel Hady of Sta. Lucia, 3rd runner-up; and Ma. Karylle K.
Pangilinan of San Agustin, 4th runner-up.
Mayor Maria Lourdes “Malu” Paras Lacson, in her speech, said: “Tonight, we gather here to celebrate the beauty, intelligence, and grace of our lovely contestants, and to witness the crowning of the deserving young woman who will represent our town with pride and honor.”
“As women, we play a vital role in the community. Our existence in this world should be one that breaks barriers, defies norms, and proposes better alternatives for some of the challenges that women in this world have to endure,” she added.
Lacson praised the organizers of the event led by Municipal Treasurer Raissa Bayani (Miss Magalang 2023 chairperson), Tourism Officer Ryan Miranda and Fiestang Camaru Chairman Councilor Popoy Miranda.
