Alexie Brooks Dedicates Miss Eco International Win to Grandma

By Mariela Angella Oladive

Ilongga beauty queen Alexie Caimoso Brooks dedicated her Miss Eco International 2025 victory to her late grandmother, Basilisa “Lola Basing” Caimoso, whose unwavering support and influence shaped her journey.

In a heartfelt Facebook post after the coronation, Brooks wrote, “Lola! I made it,” alongside a photo of her grandmother, who passed away in September 2024.

Basilisa Caimoso, a retired public school teacher from Oton, Iloilo, played a pivotal role in raising Brooks and nurturing her values of discipline, humility, and service—qualities that have defined the young model, athlete, and now international pageant titleholder.

Brooks clinched the Philippines’ third Miss Eco International crown during the coronation night held April 20 (Philippine time) at the Hilton Green Plaza in Alexandria, Egypt.

She joins the ranks of fellow Filipina winners Thia Thomalla (2018) and Kathleen Paton (2022), besting 39 candidates from around the world.

The Ilongga stunner also earned the Best National Costume award for her Philippine eagle-inspired ensemble titled Mangayon, created by Iloilo-based designer Tata Pinuela.

Her eloquent and emotional answer in the final question-and-answer round captivated both judges and audiences.

When asked to envision the world in 2050 and what she hoped would have changed, Brooks responded:

“If you want me to be realistic, climate change is impacting our world right now and the only thing that we can do is to act towards it,” she said.

“Brothers and sisters, ladies and gentlemen, we have the same mother even if we came from different nations. And we, in here, are brothers and sisters right now. Our mother is asking for our help, so we must save our planet Earth, and we must take care of our Mother Earth.”

Yulinar Fitriani of Indonesia was named 1st Runner-Up, followed by Yelyzaveta Adamska of Ukraine as 2nd Runner-Up, Cynthia Murillo of the United States as 3rd Runner-Up, and Victoria Repollo Inglis of the United Kingdom as 4th Runner-Up.

Brooks’ historic win not only brought pride to Iloilo but also honored the memory of a grandmother who once told her that women can change the world—so long as they lead with kindness and courage.