Miss Universe has, in recent years, been the major stage where Filipina beauty and wisdom are showcased, particularly since Venus Raj placed fourth in 2010. It’s a consistency in excellence, with a streak of 12 representatives earning semifinal placements, and two of them, Pia Wurtzbach and Catriona Gray, even winning the title.
Be reminded too that Janine Tugonon, born and raised in Bataan, came close to winning after being named first runner-up during the 2012 pageant, which now-household name American beauty Olivia Culpo won.
On that note, another Filipina, a beauty queen in her own right, has been shining bright amid the glow of the most prestigious beauty pageant on Earth. Her name is Olivia Quido, fondly known in beauty circles as Miss O.
Quido is the vice president of global partnerships for the Miss Universe Organization, a position she has held since January 2024. Her office has signed 136 countries to the Miss Universe franchise—a staggering number likely to increase further.
“For me, this role isn’t just a title—it’s a mission. It’s about building bridges, creating opportunities, and ensuring this iconic platform continues to empower women worldwide,” she said.
If she had actually joined the pageant and made it to the final question, her fluency and finesse would have made her a winner. Her journey with Miss U began the year after Catriona won, when Olivia Quido Skincare became the pageant’s official skincare partner in 2019.
Three years later, she was also tapped to serve as a judge.
“Every Miss Universe coronation is more than a spectacle—it’s a global celebration of womanhood, courage, and diversity,” she described, adding, “This upcoming coronation will once again remind the world that beauty is not skin deep—it is purpose, advocacy, and the power to inspire.”
On Nov. 21, the 74th edition of the Miss Universe pageant will be held at the Impact Challenger Hall in Pak Kret, Nonthaburi, Thailand.
Asked about the continuing popularity of Miss Universe among Filipinos, she said, “To my kababayans in the Philippines, thank you for being the heartbeat of Miss Universe. Your passion and unwavering support are unmatched, felt and admired across the globe. We are a nation that celebrates beauty with pride, and I hope you continue to see yourselves in every woman who steps onto that stage—brave, purposeful, and ready to inspire.”
All signs point to the position that now makes this woman a truly influential Fil-Am figure.
“Beyond business, it was my passion for beauty, empowerment, and creating impact that resonated. So, when the opportunity to lead global partnerships came, I saw it as both a blessing and a responsibility,” Miss O noted.
Quido, born and raised in Manila, immigrated to the U.S. and started small, what she humbly described as a tiny room in Artesia, California. She transformed herself into a beauty expert whose clinics became go-to places for beauty queens, celebrities, and women from other fields, all seeking to appear as the best versions of themselves.
She came to Los Angeles at age 26 with, in her own words, “little money but a heart full of dreams.” She knew her calling was in aesthetics.
Becoming the master esthetician that she is now is a combination of many things: ample training to understand the science behind it, compassion for modern women’s needs, and perseverance to achieve ambitious, noble goals.
She explained, “I poured every ounce of passion into every client who trusted me. Over time, those moments built my skill and my character. Looking back, I credit my faith, my perseverance, and every client who believed in me. They shaped me as much as I helped them.”
The Olivia Quido brand has expanded into perfume and cosmetics with Olivia No.1 Eau de Parfum and Pressed Powder Blush.
Miss O’s success is largely the result of her upbringing. Teenage acne was part of her emotional journey as she would save school lunch money to buy creams and lotions. The struggle planted, in her mind and heart, “a hunger to learn, to heal, and to one day help others.”
She had long learned to focus on positivity: “Manila taught me resilience, creativity, and joy in the little things. It’s also where my love for beauty began. I dreamed that one day, I’d make a difference in how women see themselves.”
She stressed, “Manila isn’t just where I’m from—it’s the core of who I am.”
