MALAYBALAY
CITY (MindaNews/ 31 August) — The provincial government has taken back the
crown from Laga ta Bukidnon 2014 (Ms Bukidnon Centennial) winner, Ms Marah Luz
Smith of Malaybalay City, allegedly because she is an American citizen.
Honolu Cruzin, Malaybalay City tourism officer said Governor Jose Ma. R. Zubiri
Jr. took back the crown from Smith because the 17-year old beauty was born in
the United States.
“Yes it’s
true. It was verbally stated that they have to take it (title) away due to the
fact that she is an American,” Smith’s mother, Neneng Mozar, said in a text
message Saturday. She said the title was taken back noon of August 29 (Friday)
in a meeting with the governor at a local hotel.
But Mozar
denied that Smith, a Psychology student at the Central Mindanao University, is
an American.
“She is Pinay (Filipina) because I am Pinay (Filipina),” she added.
Mozar said
their lawyer is waiting for a copy of the decision, in writing.
She said her
daughter is “totally devastated” and she herself is “so distraught” (about the
situation).
“But I have
to be strong for my daughter,” she added.