Miss Bukidnon 2014 Centennial Queen is Dethroned!

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.