Young Cebu Queens Balance Crowns with School Books
MANDAUE CITY, Cebu - Behind the glittering crowns and sashes, eight teenage beauty queens from Cebu prove that success comes from dedication, not just glamour.
These young titleholders, who have made their mark on both local and international pageant stages, continue to juggle household chores and academic responsibilities like any ordinary student.
"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 queen from Naga City, Cebu, proudly shares that mastering balance and time management has allowed her to excel academically while pursuing her passion for pageantry.
Education Remains Priority
Riki Gabrielle Pitogo, Teens Star International 2025 1st Runner Up and the Philippines' representative to the Kids & Teens Global International Pageant Little Miss Category in Malaysia this April, emphasizes the importance of academics.
"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," Pitogo states.
This commitment to education is evident across the group. Rhonne Angeline Jhayle Daugdaug, 14, Kids Star International 2025 Category D winner, immediately returned to school upon her arrival from Thailand last December to take examinations she missed during competition.
Celebrating Success and Future Goals
The young queens gathered over the weekend for a homecoming and send-off event organized by their management company, Iconique Models Philippines. The celebration honored recent achievements while preparing others for upcoming international competitions.
Among those preparing for future competitions are Lei Anath Eli Sumayang, 14, competing in Miss Preteen Global Philippines in April, and Rhea Summer Dela Victoria, 17, the Miss Teen Global Philippines Grand Winner who will represent the country in Malaysia this May.
Faith Natalie Palermo, 14, will travel to Thailand in July for Teen Star International Category B, alongside Divine Elyssa Mahidlawon, 11, competing in category A.
Preparation and Perseverance
The five pageant candidates reveal they have been preparing for international competitions since last year, focusing particularly on their pasarela walk and question-and-answer segments.
Che Tun recalls her experience competing in Cambodia last November, acknowledging the pressure she felt but crediting her determination and family support for her victory.
"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," she advises.
These young Cebuanas promise their supporters will see more of them in coming years as they continue pursuing pageantry while working toward their dream professions, embodying the Filipino spirit of determination and excellence.