Iona Violeta Abrera Gibbs, representing the province of Bataan, was crowned as Mutya ng Pilipinas 2022 at the Filoil EcoOil Centre in San Juan City in December last year as she became the official representative of Philippines at Miss Intercontinental 2023. Yesterday, a send-off ceremony was held for her weeks before she takes on the international stage.
Iona Gibbs also won three special awards including Best in Evening Gown, Miss Ever Bilena and Miss Skeen at the pageant. Iona is a Filipino-Canadian beauty queen who was born in San Juan City. Her family moved to Canada when she was 2. She grew up in Ottawa, Ontario, but her family moved around a lot growing up. Iona finished her elementary education in Canada and then moved back to the Philippines in 2015 where she finished high school at MIT International School in Alabang.
Iona is currently completing her degree at DLSU, specifically Bachelor of Arts in Behavioral Science, major in Organizational and Social Systems Development. “I was drawn to this course because I have always been fascinated with the human psyche, behavior, and the way that we exist together within society. My course has also given me the opportunity to learn more about and work with different social groups in the Philippines, as well as organizations and companies”, she shared.
During the Q&A at the finale, Gibbs was asked by host Marco Gumabao, “They say that beauty pageants today are irrelevant. How can a beauty pageant become more relevant?” She replied, “I think the perfect example of a beauty pageant that is relevant in our current day and age right now is the one I am standing on this stage for – for Mutya. I believe that Mutya, by representing the importance of sustainability, inclusivity – those are the things in our current world – (that) we need a lot more of. We need more inclusivity in terms of the people.”
Iona will definitely be a strong representative of Philippines at Miss Intercontinental 2023 with her strong and charming personality, strong oratory skills and all the experience she has gained in her life. Iona will vie for the third Miss Intercontinental crown for her country.