Braun wins 2011 Mutya it Kalibo Ati-Atihan
BY BOY RYAN B. ZABAL

Newly crowned Mutya it Kalibo Ati-Atihan Caren Retamar Braun (center) is flanked by first runner-up Mae Ann Manipud (left) and second runner-up Charmaine Ling Chue (right) during the pageant and coronation night at the Gov. Augusto B. Legaspi Sports Complex / PHOTOS BY BOY RYAN B. ZABAL

KALIBO, Aklan - Caren Retamar Braun of New Washington, Aklan won the 2011 Mutya it Kalibo Ati-Atihan on Wednesday evening held at the jampacked Gov. Augusto B. Legaspi Sports Complex here.
The first runner-up was Mae Ann Mariano Manipud of Nabas, Aklan while Charmaine Ling Palomata Chua of Kalibo, Aklan was second runner-up.
Organized by Kalibo Sto. Nino Ati-Atihan Foundation, Inc. (Kasafi) and the local government of Kalibo, 12 dazzling ladies competed in the pageant where Braun took home the "Ambassadress of Goodwill and Tourism" title after the long gown, swimwear and interview portions of the competition.
Following in the footsteps of her sister 2009 Miss Earth Philippines Air Michelle Martha Braun, the 17-year old five foot and six inches beauty was declared Best in Swimwear, Best in Talent and corporate awards for Miss Maxi Peel and Miss Ever Belena aside from the prestigious title of Mutya it Kalibo Ati-Atihan this year.

Manipud was awarded Best in Long Gown. Chua was conferred the corporate awards for Miss Ponds, Miss Skin White, Miss Personality and Miss Globe.
Braun received the crown from Aklan Governor Carlito Marquez, Vice Governor Gabrielle Calizo-Quimpo, Kalibo mayor William Lachica and Kalibo vice mayor Madeline Regalado.
Other winners of special awards were Janine Magbiro Ilio for Best in Production Number, Frendisol Catherine Villanueva Yco for Miss Photogenic, Sheen Mae Bagnate Zafra for Miss Friendship and Jecca Rosales Tenaja for Best in Interview.

The winners of corporate awards were :

* Miss Sunsilk Jecca Tenaja

* Miss Diet Coke Sheen Mae Zafra

* Miss LBC (Hari ng Padala) Mary Vhic Baltazar Mandal

* Miss E-Looks Frendisol Catherine Yco

* Miss Close-Up Jona Ili Sweett

* Miss Perfect 5 Beauty Frendisol Catherine Yco

* Miss KHM Camille Alyssa de Leon

* Miss Careline Mary Vhic Mandal

Before the announcement of winners, Governor Marquez lauded Kasafi and the 2011 Mutya it Kalibo Ati-Atihan competitors for their sacrifices and efforts in showcasing the best of 'Amazing Aklan.'

The Mutya it Kalibo titlist won a package of prizes including overnight accomodations at Shangri-La Boracay Resort and Spa, Aklan Sampaguita Gardens and La Esperanza Hotel, gift certificate from Mandala Spa Boracay, round trip tickets from Cebu Pacific Air, gift items from Century Pacific and Cheryl Macahilas-Hartley (Mark and Spencer), cellphone kit from Kok's Kalibo and P30,000 cash prize.

The distinguished panel of of judges was composed of Shangri-La Boracay Resort and Spa general manager Mark Kirk, Kapuso star Wendell Ramos, London-based fashion designer Leslie Mobo, Miss Western Visayas Tourism 2010 Angelie Joy Golingay, Splash Summer Hot Bodies champion 2010 Jennifry Agrasada, Vice president for External Affairs of Boracay Island Paddlers Association Maria Ronnhom, GMA Kapuso TV 6 Iloilo assistant regional program manager Diosdado Tan, former Miss Aklan Arafel Macalalag Ortiz, Shangri-La Boracay Resort and Spa Director for Events Maite Eleazer, former Mutya it Aklan Cheryl Macahilas Hartley and Erica Sotto of Shangri-La Boracay Resort and Spa.

The pageant and coronation night was hosted by Gaynor Calizo and Giljan Torres. Actor Wendell Ramos serenaded the 12 finalists of the Mutya it Kalibo Ati-Atihan on stage.

The competition was aired live by Kalibo Cable Television Network and Aklan Cable Television Company. It was also covered by GMA Kapuso Iloilo.