Christina Vanhefflin

 Philippine delegate leaves for Egypt finals

By Earl D.C. Bracamonte

Mutya ng Pilipinas InterContinental 2025 Christina Vanhefflin of Leyte departs for Egypt today, Jan 13, to compete in the first international pageant of the year - the Miss InterContinental 2025. She'll arrive in time for the official registration and pre-pageant activities that officially kicks off tomorrow.

On the eve of her departure, the Mutya ng Pilipinas (MNP) organization held a media event at the CWC Design Center in Makati City to send the Filipino-British delegate off to her first overseas journey.

"The year starts early for us as Christina competes by month's end in Egypt. Her flight leaves at 6 am tomorrow morning. 

"We embrace 2026 with a lot of love to the cause of pageantry. Unbeknown to many, our advocacy is to save the street children of the country. In 2025, we handed out Php 1-million to the Tuloy Foundation campaign drive," shared MNP president Cory Quirino.

The send-off presser also launched the 2026 season with its "Saan Ka Mutya" campaign; officially opening its 58th year edition.

"We are evolving as a pageant system, moving to our 60th year in 2028. This year marks our 58th year and the beginning of a grander celebration two years from now. Every year is a challenge for us. We look for more titles where our queens can compete internationally. Fortunately, all our 2024 queens placed in their respective competitions," continued Ms. Quirino.

Since 2013, the Philippines has consistently placed in the Miss InterContinental pageant, including victories in 2018 (Karen Gallman of Bohol) and 2021 (Cinderella Faye Obeñita of Cagayan de Oro City).

"I learned a few Egyptian phrases in preparation for the finals. A true queen has a genuine heart - that's her true power! I trained with Kagandahang Flores for my journey to Egypt. I simply have a warm heart. That's the meaning of 'Power of Beauty.'

"I started joining pageantry at 16 with the Miss Pintados pageant, where I landed in the Top 12. I then joined two other selections before winning the crown for the province of Leyte that brought me to the Mutya stage. For my prelims gown, I'll be wearing an amethyst-hued flowing creation, while my finals gown will be an immaculate number wih sparkling embellishments. For my national costume, it is colored pink and the ensemble symbolizes what a true Filipina is," teased Christina. 

The 2025 Miss InterContinental pageant runs from Jan 14 through 30. The coronation night unfolds on Jan 29 (January 30, Manila time) at the V Luxury Resort Sahl Hasheesh in Hurghada, Egypt.