What happens when two Filipino beauty queens meet in public?
Ask, respectively, 1981 and 1998 Mutya ng Pilipinas Marilou Bendigo and Rochelle Romero Ong.
When the two titlists of the same pageant crossed paths on a stormy Saturday afternoon in San Pedro, California, expect them to explode pleasantries and to share experiences in their journeys in the beauty contest.
“Ngayon lang kami nagkita ni Ms. Marilou pero siyempre, pareho kaming Mutya ng Pilipinas kaya excited kami pareho (This is my first time to meet and talk to her but of course, we are both Mutya ng Pilipinas so we’re both excited),” said Rochelle at the launching of the book “SekSinema (Gender Images in Philippine Sex Cinema Enfolding Pandemia)” at the Philippine Expressions Bookshop founded, owned and curated by Mrs. Linda Nietes-Little in CA.
“Mas nauna akong mag-Mutya ng Pilipinas kay Rochelle pero nakakatuwa na magkita kami rito (I was an earlier muse of the Philippines than her so it’s amazing to see each other),” exclaimed Marilou at the same occasion.
Ironically, both Romero Ong and Bendigo have settled in the US but this was the first time they saw each other in person.
“We are proud Filipinas to carry the good image of the Philippines in the homeland and abroad,” articulated Che, Rochelle’s pet name.
“Ipinagmamalaki kong artista ako at beauty queen (I am proud to be an actress and a beauty queen),” quipped Malou, Bendigo’s nickname.
During the event, when there was enough time, Che and Malou would indulge in an animated huddle about life in America and the joy and happiness of being both Mutya ng Pilipinas.