Jasmine Rovelle Paguio has come a long way since she represented the Filipino community in Canada at the first Miss Tourism Beauty of the World 2019 pageant, held in El Nido, Palawan. She was a runner-up in Miss Philippines Earth 2022, placed 3rd runner-up in Hiyas ng Pilipinas 2024, and reached the Top 10 in Miss Manila 2024. She is now Manila’s bet in Miss Universe Philippines 2025.
An advocate for education, mental health, and sustainability, the 26-year-old Paguio graduated cum laude with a bachelor’s degree focused on pre-law at York University in Toronto and aspires to become an immigration lawyer in the future.
“I am capable of being the next Miss Universe Philippines. I left my family and the security and privileges of Canada and took the risk to live here in the Philippines to pursue my dream. There is a quote I love repeating to myself every day: ‘Shoot for the moon, and if you fall, at least you fall beyond the stars.’ That is the message I want to impart to everybody—that you should always chase your dreams because you’ll never know where you might fall,” said the “It’s Showtime’s Sexy Babe” 2022 finalist and AMP-ABS-CBN Star Magic member.
Meanwhile, the best of Samar Island is ready to take the MUPh 2025 crown. With a beautiful face, sweet smile, and strong stage confidence, Miss Universe Philippines-Samar Island 2025 Kathreen Kaye Dacanay could spring a surprise come pageant finals.
The 20-year-old JPIA sophomore and full scholar from Borongan City admitted that competing in the Miss Universe Philippines pageant is hard and challenging, testing her faith and endurance, but she looks forward to learning from it to reach her full potential.
“I was 5 years old when I told myself that someday I’d conquer the universe. Now, I’m ready to take on the crown,” said the island girl, who bears a resemblance to Bb. Pilipinas-Universe 1967 Pilar Pilapil. “I would like to showcase the beauty of Samar Island, whether in my wardrobe or in the way I speak and carry myself. I was born and raised by a single mother who encouraged me to dream big, and my journey in MUPh is a tribute to the community that continues to raise women like me,” said the articulate former Miss Pintados 2023.
“I would like to work with the MUPh organization, which has a legacy of empowering women and creating better communities that will help them rise and shine,” added the ambassador of goodwill at the Philippine Red Cross Leyte Chapter.