As the host-delegate of the 2025 Miss Asia Pacific International pageant, the Philippines’ Anita Rose Gomez definitely feels at home. And it also helps that several of her fellow candidates also have deep Filipino connections.
Perhaps more familiar to keen pageant observers is Kayla Jane Usison, who is hoping to score a second consecutive win for the United States in the international pageant.
She had just recently competed in the 2025 Miss Universe Philippines pageant as the representative fielded by the Filipino community in Northern California.
But during the run of the competition, the organizers had the overseas-based bets carry their respective families’ hometowns in the Philippines, and Usison ended up representing Bago City, Negros Occidental.
Usison’s Filipino connections were proven strong during the pageant’s kickoff when she topped the poll among members of the media for ‘Darling of the Press,’ with Gomez securing the second most votes.
Another Filipino contestant among the bevy of international beauties is Australia’s Deborah Christine Madriaga, a runner-up in the 2023 Miss Earth Australia competition.
In an interview with Inquirer Entertainment, she said she has Filipino heritage from both parents, with her father tracing his roots to Bohol, while her mom’s family is from Olongapo City.
And do not be fooled by Canadian bet Naomi Shotlander’s statuesque stature. She may be one of the tallest among the roster, something unlikely for a Filipino contender, but her mother is a true daughter of Novaliches, Quezon City.
The three ladies and Gomez are among the 43 aspirants for the 2025 Miss Asia Pacific International title. The final competition show will be held at the Cebu Coliseum on Oct. 8.