Miss Philippines Fire 2017: Villanueva townfolks give ‘Ella’ ceremonial welcome

CAGAYAN de Oro City--The townspeople of Villanueva in Misamis Oriental were in festive mood after their newly crowned beauty queen, Nellza “Ella” Bautista, finally returned home on Friday (August 25, 2017).Ella was among the “Top 5” big winners during the search for Miss Philippines Earth 2017 held at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City in July.
She arrived via Laguindingan airport at dawn on Friday where she was met by her parents, local officials and supporters; and was accorded a “hero’s welcome.”
In her speech, Ella thanked Mayor Jennie Rosalie T. Uy for strong support even before she joined the pageant until she was crowned
Miss Philippines Fire 2017.
She also expressed her gratitude to the parents of Mayor Uy, Rep. Juliette Uy (second district, Misamis Oriental), and Atty. Julio T. Uy.
“Ang akong kadaugan dili lang akong kadaugan kung dili para ni ninyong tanan,” the soft spoken Bisayan lass told a jam-packed gym of Villanueva town Friday morning.
In her speech, Mayor Uy said: “This is the first time that a resident of Villanueva to achieve such a level of recognition.”
While watching the pageant night, Mayor Uy admitted that she was deeply honored and overjoyed every time the name of Ella is called and the phrase “from Villanueva, Misamis Oriental” is also mentioned.
“She put us on the map,” the visibly happy Mayor Uy said and even sets the bar higher among the residents of Villanueva town.
Ella even hinted that she would consider putting up a mentoring program to help aspiring young girls, who want to become a beauty queen like her.