Cebu's Young Beauty Queens Balance Crowns with Studies
MANDAUE CITY, Cebu - Behind the glittering tiaras and sashes, Cebu's teenage beauty queens face the same daily challenges as their classmates: homework, exams, and household chores.
Eight young Cebuanas recently shared their experiences of juggling academic responsibilities with international pageant commitments, proving that success requires more than just beauty and poise.
Balancing Act of Excellence
"Being in school and being a beauty queen is really hard for me, but as our very own Ms. Grand International, Ate Emma Mary Tiglao, she said that we have to use the power of balance and time management," explains Hnin Soe Che Tun, 12, the Little Miss Icon International 2025 Grand Winner.
The young champion from Naga City, Cebu, credits her time management skills for allowing her to excel academically while pursuing her passion for pageantry.
Riki Gabrielle Pitogo, Teens Star International 2025 1st Runner Up, emphasizes the importance of education in her journey. "I continued to make my studies my top priority, because I think we can all agree that you can never be a beauty queen without intelligence," she says.
Pitogo will represent the Philippines in the Kids & Teens Global International Pageant Little Miss Category in Malaysia this April.
Dedication Beyond the Crown
The commitment to education runs deep among these young queens. Rhonne Angeline Jhayle Daugdaug, 14, the Kids Star International 2025 Category D winner, immediately returned to school after her competition in Thailand last December to take the examinations she had missed.
"This shows the Filipino value of prioritizing education even while pursuing other dreams," notes a local pageant observer familiar with the contestants' journeys.
Future Representatives Prepare
During a recent homecoming and send-off event organized by Iconique Models Philippines, several other young Cebuanas shared their preparation stories for upcoming international competitions.
Lei Anath Eli Sumayang, 14, will compete in Miss Preteen Global Philippines in April, while Rhea Summer Dela Victoria, 17, the Miss Teen Global Philippines Grand Winner, heads to Malaysia in May for the Miss Teen Global International Pageant.
Meanwhile, Faith Natalie Palermo, 14, and Divine Elyssa Mahidlawon, 11, will travel to Thailand in July for the Teen Star International competition in their respective categories.
Message of Perseverance
Che Tun, reflecting on her victory in Cambodia last November, offers advice to aspiring young contestants: "At a young age, I would like to tell you guys that even if your dream is really hard to get, especially your desired goal, but keep going and never stop trying. Believe in yourself and be confident."
The young queen admits to feeling pressure during competition but credits family support and personal determination for her success.
These Cebuano representatives continue to make the province proud on international stages while maintaining their commitment to education and family values, embodying the best of Filipino youth excellence.