(PHOTO COURTESY)
TACLOBAN CITY — The sparkle of pageantry lit up Calbayog City as nine confident and radiant young women from across Samar Island were officially introduced as candidates for Miss Universe Philippines (MUPh) Samar Island 2025 during a sashing ceremony held at BayPark Hotel.
Representing their respective hometowns, the candidates are Mila Rose Lawsin (Giporlos, Eastern Samar), Kimm Rhianna Specht (Calbayog City), Zandrea Alexxa Gudgad (Las Navas, Northern Samar), Catherine Bareja Wardle (Catbalogan City), Kine Mychille Paraguya (Guiuan, Eastern Samar), Lorie Sabate Carvajal (Borongan City), Joana Marie Padoc (Basey, Samar), Abigail Alluso (Hernani, Eastern Samar), and Shane Rovie Luay (Daram, Samar).
The event was filled with excitement and pride as the candidates received their sashes, symbolizing their journey toward the island’s most prestigious crown — and a chance to represent Samar Island in the national Miss Universe Philippines stage.
Mark Angelo Roma, head of operations and executive vice president of MUPh Samar Island, reminded everyone that the pageant is more than just a contest of beauty.
“Miss Universe Philippines Samar Island is not just a competition but a family. The goal is not only to determine who will win the crown but to ensure that each candidate walks away with confidence and a deep understanding of her values,” Roma said.
This year’s winner will take over from Kathreen Kaye Dacanay of Borongan City, who made history as the first MUPh Samar Island queen earlier this year and proudly represented the island in the national pageant.
Pageant director John Rodrigo Minas said the next titleholder will carry the essence and pride of Samar wherever she goes.
“We will bring the identity and pride of Samar Island to the Miss Universe Philippines pageant — with pride and glory,” Minas said.
Beyond the glitz and glamour, the MUPh Samar Island pageant continues to shine as a platform for empowerment — celebrating women who embody beauty with purpose, grace with grit, and heart for community service.
(ROEL T. AMAZONA)
