Ms. Catbalogan Louiesa Kay Granada was crowned as Mutya Han Samar in pageant rites held at the Samar Provincial Gymnasium last August 9, 2008.

Granada's court was completed by 1st runner-up, Ms. Tarangnan Kristie Joan Babor who was also adjudged as Best in Swimsuit; 2nd runner-up Ms. Gandara Diana Jean Gallardo, who was also chosen as Miss Photogenic and Best in Casual Wear; 3rd runner-up Ms. Motiong Barbette Joana Badocdoc, who was also chosen as Most Eloquent and 4th runner-up Ms. Pinabacdao Ma. Cristina Ibanez.

Miss San Sebastian Armie Cate Abalos was given the special award of Most Congenial.

Granada bested 15 other candidates representing other Local Government Units in Samar in a rigorous screening process that involved a preliminary during the pre-pageant stage and the final interview which was one of the factors in determining the winner of the said pageant.

The pageant also consisted of two rounds which had the number of contestants going down from 15 to seven before the winner and 4 placers were finally chosen. Other contestants who made it to the final seven were Ms. Calbiga Ria Sevilla and Ms. Calbayog Kaye Aquino.

Granada, a 17-year freshman from UP Visayas Tacloban College, won in the Miss Manaragat 2008: the Search for Miss Catbalogan last June during the celebration of the First Charter Day of Catbalogan, giving her the privilege to represent the city in the said province-wide pageant.

As is the custom with the Mutya Han Samar Pageants, a male celebrity was invited to be a host which this year came in the person of Mr. Hans Montenegro. This year however, a female celebrity was also invited to stand as co-host. The said role has been assumed by locally-based female hosts in the past.

Ms. Earth Philippines-Water 2008 Michelle Oblea accompanied Montenegro in the hosting duties while Ms. Earth Philippines-Fire 2008 Kristelle Lazaro joined the panel of judges led by PIA Regional Director Olive Tiu.

The Mutya Han Samar is an annual beauty pageant which is considered as one of the highlights of the weeklong Samar Day celebration concludes on August 11, the date of the province's Foundation Anniversary.