TACLOBAN CITY — Kyrus Babon of Sta. Margarita town was crowned Mutya han Samar 2025, winning over the judges not only with her beauty and poise, but also with her heartfelt advocacy for breaking the stigma surrounding mental health among the youth.
In the final question-and-answer round, Babon was asked how society can help address the stigma on mental health, particularly among young people.
“I think what we can do is to create a conversation where it is normalized. Mental health is a hard problem, and it faces a lot of people, and I feel that we need to normalize it. And use it in our everyday conversation because if we do so, I believe we can make a safe environment but also a safe world,” she said.
Her thoughtful response and confident delivery sealed her victory, besting candidates from various local government units across the province.
Babon also took home special awards including Miss Professionalism and Miss Lara.
Joining her in the royal court were 1st runner-up – Christina Vanhefflin (Mutya han Marabut), who also won Miss Eloquence, Best in Swimsuit, Best in Gown, and Best in Production Outfit; 2nd runner-up – Rechelle Monton (Mutya han Matuguinao), who also earned Best in Tourism Video; 3rd runner-up – Barbara Sarcida (Mutya han Calbayog); and 4th runner-up – Hannah Llauderes (Mutya han Pinabacdao).
The Mutya han Samar 2025 pageant was hosted by the municipal government of Sta. Margarita, with the preliminary competition held in Catbalogan City.
The event is part of the 184th provincehood anniversary of Samar, commemorating the royal decree signed by Queen Isabella II of Spain on August 11, 1841, officially establishing Samar as a province.
(ROEL T. AMAZONA)
