IN THE MIX BY MIC DIAZ
The Alex Theatre in Glendale sparkled with excitement on Sunday, August 17, as the 14th Annual Miss Philippines USA pageant celebrated another milestone in its legacy of beauty, talent, and cultural pride. This year marked the historic debut of the Miss Philippines USA Empress category, alongside the continued growth of the Mister Philippines USA competition—broadening the stage to recognize and uplift both women and men in the Filipino-American community.
Hosted by Tony Cabrera, morning anchor and reporter for ABC7 Eyewitness News, and Cher Calvin a news presenter for KTLA for the 14th consecutive year at the Alex Theatre, one of Glendale’s most iconic theaters, the evening was a dazzling showcase of talent, purpose, and heritage. Family and friends filled the seats, cheering on the candidates who graced the stage not only with poise but also with stories of determination and dreams deeply rooted in the Filipino-American experience.
Jai Rodriguez of Queer Eye for the Straight Guy joined the pageant for the first time as a livestream host, and Paco Arespacochaga of talk show Paco’s Place interviewed judges, sponsors, guests and last year’s titleholders on the red carpet. Lulu Nina who has been a staple of the pageant for years and Mars Visda, manager of the America’s Got Talent winner, dance group, Junior New System, choreographed the production numbers for the pageant.
This year’s top winners were Miss Philippines USA Monique Geronimo who is also Miss Philippines USA Tourism, a scientist from Arcadia for disability awareness and equitable healthcare for all; Miss Young Philippines USA Sophia Mendiola, a professional Flamenco dancer trained in belly dance and hip hop, who serves with Flamenco with Roots, a nonprofit providing free dance education; Mister Philippines USA Alvin Villarosa, a first-generation Filipino immigrant who aims to become a physician dedicated to creating inclusive spaces and uplifting neurodivergent voices; and the first-ever Ms. Philippines USA Empress Ruela Tesoro who is of Filipino and Thai heritage, a devoted mother to her daughter Jayla Grace, and an empowering figure for single mothers by connecting them to resources such as childcare, education, and skill development.
The Ms. Philippines USA Royal Court includes Ms. Philippines USA Grand Ambassador Judimae Angcaco, Ms. Philippines USA 1st Runner-Up Sol Tinio, Ms. Philippines USA 2nd Runner-Up Shyla Gibbs, and Ms. Philippines USA 3rd Runner-Up Xena Arboleda.
The Miss Young Philippines USA 2025 Royal Court includes Miss Young Philippines USA Grand Ambassador Erynn Padillo, Miss Young Philippines USA Tourism Jocelyn Samson-Chun, Miss Young 1st Runner-Up Ciely Ycoy, Miss Young 2nd Runner-Up Charlotte Faieta, and Miss Young 3rd Runner-Up Jayla Figueroa.
The Mister Philippines USA 2025 Royal Court includes Mister Philippines USA Grand Ambassador Lemuel Abelita, Mister Philippines USA Tourism Xander Montes, Mister Philippines USA 1st Runner-Up Adam Ullah, Mister Philippines USA 2nd Runner-up Jonathan Ferraer, and Mister Philippines USA 3rd Runner-Up EJ Neri.
The Ms. Philippines USA Empress 2025 Royal Court includes Ms. Philippines USA Empress Tourism Irene Formentera, Ms. Philippines USA Empress 1st Runner-Up Melania Morales, Ms. Philippines USA Empress 2nd Runner-Up Erika Bell.
Their crowning moments weren’t just personal triumphs—they represented the evolution of the Miss and Mister Philippines USA pageant as a platform for heritage, empowerment, and inclusivity.
According to newly crowned Ms. Philippines USA Empress 2025 Ruela Tesoro, she competed for the title not only because of her advocacy, but also because the crown represents not just beauty and grace, but the strength of a mother who dared to dream again and turn challenges into triumphs. For her, it is about second chances: a second chance to do what she loves, a second chance to honor the woman she has become, and a chance to inspire other single mothers to see that their dreams are still alive.
Beyond the crowns and sashes, Miss and Mister Philippines USA has always been about something greater—uplifting Filipino-American voices and building a space where representation thrives. Pageant producer and creative director Lou Razon reflected on that journey: “Every year gets better. Every year I grow older, but the legacy continues. The true intention behind creating this beauty pageant has always been to lead and inspire the younger generation to be brave and to not be afraid to take risks.”
Monet Lu, the chairman of the Board of Judges for Mister Philippines USA, exclaims that the awe-inspiring women and men of the Miss/Mister Philippines USA 2025 Royal Court epitomize excellence and ignite transformative positive change.
Former NBA basketball player and coach Byron Scott was spotted as one of the onlookers along with his wife The Real Deal’s Cece Scott who was one of the judges. Filipino-American actress Joyce Jimenez, actor Reggie Lee, Emmy award-winning producer Lisa Lew, Edwin and Dr. Lani Raquel, Fil-Am Prince of Pop Garth Garcia, MC Aesthetics’ Marlou Colina, Tang & Java’s Diana Lua, City of Carson Councilmember Arleen Rojas Bocatija, Charles Micu, National Diversity Coalition’s Faith Bautista, Kubo Restaurant’s owner Jojo Verdeflor, and Joy Soto of Fighter Vigor Foundation were some of the judges this year.
This year’s pageant was presented by the Philippine Department of Tourism, Philippine Airlines, Estilo Filipino and Lou Razon Couture. Many local and international businesses and individuals showed support such as Carlotta Collections, MC Aesthetics, Kubo Restaurant, Celeste Friedman of Bontika, De Star Boutique, Bella Medical Group & Aesthetics, Fighter Vigor Foundation, Tang & Java, Monet Salon, Terani Couture, DMCI Homes, Rising Stars Music & Performing Arts, Lucky Brides, URFASTC Buy, Fix & Flip, L.A. Chibugan, National Diversity Coalition, Charles Micu. 808 Local Hawaiian Grill, Astoria Palawan, Doctors on the Go, SoCal Filipinos, Dust Thani, Rajah Tours Philippines, Uni-Orient, Boracay Palazzo, Carmelo Designs, UXPlor, Fiesta Fastfood, Island Pacific, Remitly, Wow Taho, Agape Home Care, Philippine Photographers Club, AZE Media and Mic Diaz Presents. Party Party People (PPP) DJ Lemuel Pia played classic dance hits and favorite tracks at the courtyard after the pageant.
Now in its 14th year, Miss and Mister Philippines USA continues to evolve—expanding its categories, elevating its production, and inspiring generations of Filipino-Americans to stand proud of their heritage. The introduction of the Miss Philippines USA Empress title marks another milestone, while the inclusion of Mister Philippines USA reflects the pageant’s growing commitment to inclusivity and cultural pride. What remains constant is its heartbeat: a commitment to culture, community, and a legacy that inspires the Filipino-American story to shine brighter year after year.