Reina Filipina North America Valerie Claire West (right) with her runners-up Pauline Rowbelle Del Mundo (top left) and Amanda Russo. Images: Facebook/Reina Filipina
Three Filipino-American women earned their spots in the 2025 Miss Universe Philippines pageant at the culmination of the Reina Filipina North America pageant in New York City on Jan. 25 (Jan. 26 in Manila).
Filipino-Americans in Northeastern United States organized the search for the ladies who will represent New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut in this year’s edition of the national pageant, and have found their queens.
Valerie West was crowned Reina Filipina North America at the culmination of the competition held at the Palladium Times Square and has been designated as Miss Universe Philippines-New York.
First runner-up Pauline Rowbelle Del Mundo received the Miss Universe Philippines-New Jersey title, while second runner-up Amanda Russo was also proclaimed as Miss Universe Philippines-Connecticut.
West also took home the Best in Swimwear and Miss Photogenic awards from the competition, while Del Mundo was Best in Talent and Best in National Costume. Russo, meanwhile, received the Miss Monarch Montage Skin Glow award.
This is the first time that New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut will be represented in the Miss Universe Philippines pageant since the national competition’s inception in 2000.
Dr. Alicia Sta. Maria Almendral, 2013 Mrs. International Philippines, mounted the tri-state competition as the accredited partner of the Miss Universe Philippines organization in the three states.
The three ladies will fly to Manila soon to take part in the 2025 Miss Universe Philippines pageant, and try to inherit the national title of Miss Universe Asia Chelsea Manalo.