Sharing the limelight in the ongoing Miss Universe Philippines 2024 pageant are two new faces. Baguio’s Justine Tarah Marie Valencia and Pangasinan’s Grace Jineah Lumague have been gaining a strong following and may spring a surprise at coronation night.
Valencia, a stunning Cordilleran beauty, emerges as a dark horse in this year’s competition. A graduate with a degree in International Hospitality and Tourism Management from the University of Baguio, Valencia took on a part-time job while studying to help provide for her family after her father’s passing when she was 19 years old.
She won Miss Hotel and Restaurant Association of Baguio 2023 and Miss Beautéderm-Miss Baguio Turismo 2023, which allowed her to introduce the passion for promoting Baguio’s tourism industry. Valencia aims to showcase her province’s rich and unique traditions on the international stage while advocating for preserving Baguio’s delicate ecosystem and sustainable tourism practices.
Lumague, 22, was recently appointed as representative of Pangasinan by an accredited partner and organizer of Mutya ng Pozorrubio. She is currently pursuing a Nursing degree at the University of Baguio following in the footsteps of her parents who are both working in the medical field.
Joining the Mutya ng Pozorrubio 2024 and Miss University of Baguio, Lumague said she was able to use them as a platform to lay out her advocacies on women’s rights and the welfare of the sick and less fortunate. She is a member of the Philippine Red Cross Youth – University of Baguio doing health-related activities and also joined the Leknaan Ya Pozorrubio, Inc., an NGO doing outreach programs and giving medical assistance to Pozorrubio.
* * *
Clothing line taps Rabiya Mateo as endorser
Beauty queen turned actress Rabiya Mateo has added MAGS Clothing to her multiple endorsement deals.
“I was actually Miss MAGS before I joined the Miss Universe Philippines search,” Mateo said during a contract signing event with the brand. “I believe in MAGS’ goal to empower women to choose comfort for their style.”
“Rabiya embodies the ideal customer for the clothing brand: a beautiful, down-to-earth, and empowered modern Filipina,” said MAGS owner and CEO Mags Cue.
MAGS, with stores nationwide, has established itself as one of the Philippines’ favorite ladies’ fashion brands.