Miss Asia Pacific Int’l 2025 queens promote advocacy, culture in Iloilo tour

By Mariela Angella Oladive

Fresh from their coronation in Cebu, the Miss Asia Pacific International (MAPI) 2025 queens brought their message of beauty, advocacy, and cultural exchange to Iloilo, where they met with local media and toured select towns in the province.

During a press conference held at Sheridan Boutique Resort in Oton, Iloilo, the international beauty ambassadors shared their advocacies and reflected on their memorable experiences in the country, particularly their appreciation of Filipino warmth and hospitality.

Miss Asia Pacific International 2025 Isabela Fernandez of Brazil expressed gratitude to the MAPI organization and pledged to help strengthen the pageant’s global presence.

“I want to develop the Miss Asia Pacific International not only in my country but around the world,” she said.

“I want to work together with the MAPI team because they are really friendly and professional people,” she added.

First Runner-Up Anita Rose Gomez of the Philippines discussed her long-running education program, Para kay Juan at Juana, which she co-founded in 2019.

“Education is the most powerful key that can move us out of poverty,” Gomez said. “Through my program, I want to give hope and opportunity to children in remote areas who still struggle to access education.”

Second Runner-Up Bowonrat Maneerat of Thailand championed confidence and inclusivity in pageantry, emphasizing that beauty comes in many forms.

“I may be the shortest candidate on stage, but I have confidence in my own beauty,” she said. “There’s no one way to define beauty. Every kind of beauty deserves to shine.”

Third Runner-Up Jana Janssens of Belgium, a professional beautician, introduced her advocacy Be-you-tiful, which promotes self-esteem and empowerment through personal care and reflection.

“I want to host classes to help women and young children look in the mirror and see a powerful version of themselves,” she said. “Whatever their story is, they can become the hero of it.”

Fourth Runner-Up Elmira Wildoboer of the Netherlands focused on promoting diversity and acceptance among children.

“One to three children around the world face bullying because of their differences,” she said. “I experienced it myself, having hearing aids. That’s why I want to educate children about diversity — so they learn to see differences as something normal and beautiful.”

Miss Sheridan Hannah Cross of New Zealand highlighted her project Creativity for Community, which uses art as a tool for connection and charity.

“I find great solace in painting,” Cross said. “Through my art, I’ve held charity auctions and workshops that bring people together and raise funds for causes like the Breast Cancer Foundation of New Zealand. It’s a way to build community through creativity.”

The queens shared fond memories of their stay in Cebu and Iloilo, highlighting the Filipinos’ warmth and the region’s vibrant culture.

“In the beginning, I was so afraid because I was far from home,” Miss Brazil said. “But now I feel at home. Just like the other girls said, the Filipino home is very warm, kind, and hospitable. That’s what I love the most — and of course, the food is really amazing.”

Miss New Zealand described the Philippines as “picturesque,” reminiscent of her homeland.

Miss Belgium admired the friendliness and resilience of the Filipino people, especially after witnessing how communities have remained hopeful following recent earthquakes.

Miss Thailand said she saw “the most beautiful sunset” during her visit, while Miss Philippines expressed her continued admiration for the country’s diverse cultures and traditions.

The queens’ Iloilo itinerary included visits to Janiuay, San Miguel, Alimodian, Oton, and Iloilo City, where they were warmly welcomed by local officials and residents.

The visit formed part of Miss Asia Pacific International’s ongoing cultural and advocacy tour, which promotes regional tourism and upholds the pageant’s mission of celebrating “beauty with a purpose” — a platform that champions peace, culture, and diversity across Asia and the Pacific.