Filipino-Canadians crown pageant veteran as Miss Universe PH 2025 bet

Miss Filipinas Worldwide Kristel David (second from right) and Miss Filipinas Global Jessica Cianchino (second from left) with their runners-up Stephanie Artuz (right) and Rochelle Kristen Canlas. Image: Facebook/Miss Filipinas Worldwide

The Filipino community in Canada will be participating in the Miss Universe Philippines pageant for the first time this year, with not just one, but two delegates to represent “The Great White North.”

Two Filipino-Canadian women were proclaimed queens at the coronation ceremonies of the first staging of the Miss Filipinas Worldwide pageant held in New Westminster, British Columbia, on Jan. 25 (Jan. 26 in Manila).

Kristel David was crowned Miss Filipinas Worldwide, while international pageant veteran Jessica Cianchino received the Miss Filipinas Global title, trouncing 17 other women from all over Canada for the two crowns at stake in the competition.

David also took home the Best in Evening Gown award and Miss Arctic Fame Diamonds title, while Cianchino won the Miss Photogenic award.

Cianchino represented Canada in the 2019 Miss Asia Pacific International pageant in Manila, where she finished as second runner-up. She once again carried the North American country in the 2022 Miss Earth pageant, also held in Manila.

Stephanie Artuz, who was earlier proclaimed as Miss Graceful Esssence, settled for the first runner-up spot, while Miss SELC College Rochelle Kristen Canlas finished as second runner-up.

David and Cianchino will fly to Manila soon to compete in the 2025 Miss Universe Philippines pageant, and the two ladies will be representing Canada. The specific areas of the country that they will carry in the national tilt will be revealed soon.

Reigning Miss Universe Asia Chelsea Manalo will relinquish her national title to her successor, who will be chosen among the more than 80 participants from across the Philippines and from different overseas communities. The new queen will take part in the 74th Miss Universe pageant later this year.