The first-ever Reina Filipina North America pageant is happening this Saturday, January 25, 2025 (January 26, Manila time) at the Palladium Times Square in New York City.
Presented by Monarch Montage LLC, an accredited partner of Miss Universe Philippines, this event celebrates the beauty, talent, and cultural pride of Filipina women across North America. Eight candidates will compete for the crown and the opportunity to represent the Filipino community in North America at the Miss Universe Philippines competition.
The candidates include Pauline Rowbelle Del Mundo, a 32-year-old Global Director at IT Cosmetics from Hillsborough, New Jersey, who promotes the Bayanihan spirit and works to empower the Filipino-American community. Valerie Claire West, a 22-year-old biomedical engineer and EMT, proudly celebrates her dual Filipino-American identity while pursuing her passions for medicine and performing arts. Angelica Joan Sison Mellomida, a 29-year-old research scientist at L’Oréal USA from New Jersey, uses her platform to raise awareness about mental health.
Other candidates include Amanda Salvador Russo, a 20-year-old finance student from Pennsylvania, who advocates for elderly care through charitable work and volunteering. Cassandra Reed, a 21-year-old finance student from Cebu, Philippines, champions human rights, particularly LGBTQ+ rights and women’s empowerment. Melanie Stokes, a 19-year-old college sophomore from New York City, is passionate about travel, makeup artistry, and building confidence in others. Julian Del Rosario, a 35-year-old entrepreneur and mother of two, redefines beauty standards by encouraging women to embrace their natural beauty, life experiences, and authenticity. Lastly, Sophia Marie Sefarady, a 25-year-old cosmetic entrepreneur, combines her passion for family, culture, and business to inspire her community. The Reina Filipina North America pageant aligns with the Miss Universe Organization’s updated policies, emphasizing inclusivity and diversity. These policies include the removal of the upper age limit, enabling women aged 18 and older to compete, and welcoming married women, mothers, and pregnant women since 2023. Moreover, the Miss Universe Organization has supported transgender women’s participation since 2012, provided they win their national pageants. This progressive framework allows women from all walks of life to showcase their talents, advocacies, and cultural pride. Reina Filipina North America provides Filipina women with a meaningful platform to celebrate their identity, with the winner advancing to compete on the global Miss Universe Philippines stage.
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