New Westminster, BC, 25 January 2025—On January 25, 2025, the Miss Filipinas Worldwide Canada pageant, a signature event for the Filipino-Canadian community, made its way for its 2025 run at the Anvil Theatre in New Westminster, BC. This pageant, an offshoot of the fixture Miss Universe Philippines, showcased its contestants’ beauty, passion, intellect, and commitment to women’s empowerment.
With a packed audience of Filipino-Canadians and guests from around the globe, the pageant celebrated the assortment of diasporas and their ongoing contributions to Canada’s cultural scene. The event was more than just a competition—it was a night that honoured Filipino stories, highlighted social causes, and elevated the voices of young women making a spot in their communities. Host Pauline Amelinckx, 2023 Miss Supranational 1st Runner-Up, made the night vivacious.
Crowning Rayanne Kristel David and Jessica Victoria Cianchino
After a night filled with breathtaking performances, emotional moments, and fierce competition, Rayanne Kristel David is crowned 2025 Miss Filipinas Worldwide Canada/Miss Universe Philippines-Canada. Jessica Victoria Cianchino reigns as 2025 Miss Filipinas Global-Canada. David and Cianchino will fly to Manila to compete in the 2025 Miss Universe Philippines pageant this year.
Meanwhile, Stephanie Artuz is the First Runner-up, and RK Canlas is the Second Runner-up.
Special Awards run as follows:
Best in Long Gown and Swimsuit – Kristel David; Miss SELC College – RK Canlas and Kassandra Mayol; Miss Photogenic – Donna Ysabelle Labayo and Jessica Cianchino; Miss Arctic Fame – Kristel David; Miss Graceful Essence Award – Stephanie Artuz.
Upon receiving her crown, David emphasized the importance of using her platform to empower young women, stating, “This crown represents not just my journey, but the strength and resilience of every Filipina in Canada and worldwide. I will work tirelessly to ensure that every young girl knows she can achieve greatness, no matter where she comes from.”
The Contestants: Representing a Global Community
The Miss Filipinas Worldwide Canada 2025 pageant brought together contestants across Canada, each showcasing their unique qualities, experiences, and vision for a better future. From the bustling streets of Metro Vancouver to communities as far-flung as Toronto and Calgary, eighteen women took to the stage the embodiment of the spirit of the Filipino diaspora.
These women were not just beauty queens; they were trailblazers in their rights—professionals, activists, and entrepreneurs who had already made significant contributions to their local communities. Each contestant was selected for their leadership potential, commitment to Filipino culture, and desire to use their platform to advocate for important causes, such as education, mental health, and gender equality.
Empowering Women Through the Pageant
The evening’s theme, Celebrating Beauty, Empowering Women, and Showcasing Filipino Pride, set the tone for the competition. As each contestant gracefully steered the evening gown, traditional wear, and question-and-answer rounds, they demonstrated that beauty is not just skin-deep. The pageant gave contestants a podium to discuss crucial issues affecting women, such as access to education, community engagement, and mental health awareness.
Judges were tasked with evaluating not just each contestant’s poise and physical attributes but also their ability to articulate their thoughts, stand firm in their beliefs, and lead with a sense of responsibility. The pageant mirrored the values of community, leadership, and resilience that the Filipino-Canadian community holds dear. The Philippine Institute of Certified Public Accountants (PICPA) – Vancouver tallied scores.
Looking Ahead: A Bright Future for Filipinas Worldwide
As the pageant ended, the women who participated in Miss Filipinas Worldwide Canada 2025 have become beauty queens and champions for change, role models for younger generations, and ambassadors of Filipino culture in Canada. The pageant is an expanding platform, and the Miss Filipinas Worldwide brand promises to become synonymous with empowerment, advocacy, and the celebration of diversity.
“The pageant is about more than just beauty,” said Michiko Unso, MFWW Canada’s Global Director. “It is about fostering pride in our identity, encouraging young women to lead confidently, and using our collective strength to uplift those in greatest need.”
In her speech, Ms. Unso discussed the next Miss Filipinas Worldwide Canada event, which will be held in Ontario on October 18, 2025, and the launch of Miss Indo-Pacific International.
Miss Filipinas Worldwide Canada: Empowering Filipina Women for Global Leadership
Miss Filipinas Worldwide Canada, operated by The Miss Universe Philippines Canada, Inc. (TMUPCI), is the official organization tasked with selecting Canada’s representative for the prestigious Miss Universe Philippines pageant. The pageant seeks to discover women who embody strength, intelligence, and grace, offering them a platform to shine nationally and internationally.
As part of the exclusive rights granted by the Miss Universe Philippines Organization, TMUPCI ensures a comprehensive selection process beyond beauty. The pageant provides contestants with professional training, mentorship, and life-changing experiences, collaborating with top industry experts such as Aces and Queens. The organization strives to empower Filipina women, nurturing them into leaders and role models who inspire and uplift their communities and beyond.
Miss Filipinas Worldwide 2025 was brought to the community by the United Filipino-Canadian Association of BC (UFCABC), notable sponsors, and donors. Thank you to everyone who attended.
By Bella Balisi Bevilacqua
(MBB)
