Mutya Pilipinas titlist Cyrille Dominguez Payumo, 22, from Porac, Pampanga, was crowned as Miss Tourism International 2019-2020 in glittering ceremonies held at Sunway Lagoon Resort and Spa in Petaling Jaya, Malaysia last November 8, besting 38 other delegates worldwide to become the fifth Filipina to win in the 22-year history of the Malaysia-based tilt.
Payumo, a BS Tourism Management graduate of Holy Angel University in Angeles City, was crowned by Indonesia’s Astari Vernideani, last year’s winner.
The other Filipinas who won the Miss Tourism International title were Jan-jannie Loudette Alipo-on in 2017, Angelie Dione Gomez in 2013, Rizzini Alexis Gomez in 2012 and Maria Esperanza Corazon Manzano in 2000.
For the finals, Payumo wore a peacock-inspired gown by Benj Leguiab IV. She also won the Best in National Costume award for her elaborate Filipiniana ensemble entitled KKK (Kabayanihan, Kababaihan, Kapayapaan) created by Rich Sabinian in collaboration with the inmates of Angeles City jail.
Payumo led the other winners who were bestowed subsidiary titles, namely: Indonesia’s Gabriella Patricia Mandolang, Miss Tourism Queen of the Year International; Ukraine’s Katerina Serhiyivna Kachashvili, Miss Tourism Global; Poland’s Joanna Babynko, Miss Tourism Cosmopolitan International; Cambodia’s Chan Sotima, Dreamgirl of the Year International and Thailand’s Chompoonut Phungphon, Miss South East Asia Tourism Ambassadress.
Payumo was the first runner-up at the Mutya Pilipinas 2019 finals last August 18 but took over Mutya Pilipinas Tourism International Tyra Goldman’s international assignment.
Goldman, who was born in Nevada, was disqualified by the Miss Tourism International Organization in accordance with their new rule that contestants must be natural-born in the countries that they represent.
According to Mutya Pilipinas president Cory Quirino, Goldman will keep her title and will be sent to another international pageant early next year.
Quirino led a group of officers from Mutya Pilipinas and Payumo’s glam team who cheered and witnessed the 5-foot-10 beauty’s historic win in Malaysia. Payumo will fulfill her duties as the new Miss Tourism International in Malaysia, after which she will have a grand homecoming, including a press conference in Manila and a victory parade in Pampanga upon her return next week.
