Hosted by Tony Cabrera of ABC7 Eyewitness News (right) and Cher Calvin of KTLA (left), the evening was a showcase of culture, talent and the Filipino American story. Calvin presents Miss Philippines USA Empress Ruela Tesoro and her court. Photo by Sthanlee Mirador
GLENDALE, Calif. — The Alex Theatre sparkled with pageantry and pride Sunday as the 14th annual Miss Philippines USA crowned its newest queens and kings, including the first-ever Miss Philippines USA Empress.
The milestone event introduced the Empress category to celebrate single mothers, while continuing traditions with Miss, Miss Young and Mister competitions. Hosted by Tony Cabrera of ABC7 Eyewitness News and Cher Calvin of KTLA, the evening was a showcase of culture, talent and the Filipino American story.
Tony Cabrera of ABC7 Eyewitness News (left) and Cher Calvin of KTLA | Photo by Sthanlee Mirador
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Jai Rodriguez of “Queer Eye for the Straight Guy” made his debut as livestream host, while Paco Arespacochaga of “Paco’s Place” covered the red carpet. The program also featured choreography by veterans Lulu Nina and Mars Visda of Junior New System.
Winners
The night’s major winners were:
Miss Philippines USA 2025: Monique Geronimo, a scientist from Arcadia advocating for disability awareness and equitable healthcare.
Miss Young Philippines USA 2025: Sophia Mendiola, a professional Flamenco dancer who teaches through the nonprofit Flamenco with Roots.
Mister Philippines USA 2025: Alvin Villarosa, a first-generation immigrant pursuing medicine with a focus on inclusive spaces for neurodivergent communities.
Mister Philippines USA Alvin Villarosa (3rd from left) and royal court | Photo by Sthanlee Mirador
Miss Philippines USA Empress 2025: Ruela Tesoro, of Filipino and Thai heritage, a mother devoted to supporting single parents through access to childcare, education and skill-building.
Royal courts were also crowned across the four categories, with ambassadors, runners-up and tourism titles awarded.
Taking center stage are (from left) Miss Philippines USA Empress Ruela Tesoro , Miss Young Philippines USA Sophia Mendiola, Mister Philippines USA Alvin Villarosa and Miss Philippines USA Monique Geronimo. Photo by Richard Dizon
Empress
For Tesoro, the title of Empress was deeply personal.
“The crown represents not just beauty and grace, but the strength of a mother who dared to dream again and turn challenges into triumphs,” she said. She dedicated her win to single mothers seeking second chances to pursue their passions.
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Veteran pageant director Vic Perez said the addition of the Empress category marked a meaningful step for the competition.
“It was an amazing pageant of young Fil-Ams, boys and girls, and this year we included a new category — the Empress Miss Philippines USA,” he said. “Mothers and married women can now join too. Thank you for the wide support of the Fil-Am communities all over the country.”
Pageant producer and creative director Lou Razon said the competition’s true purpose has always gone beyond glamor.
“The true intention behind creating this beauty pageant has always been to lead and inspire the younger generation to be brave and not be afraid to take risks,” she said.
Monet Lu, chairman of the Mister Philippines USA judging panel, praised the winners as “awe-inspiring” for embodying excellence and positive change.
The program attracted an audience filled with community leaders, celebrities and former titleholders. Among the judges and VIP attendees were former NBA star Byron Scott, Filipino American actress Joyce Jimenez, Hollywood actor Reggie Lee, Emmy-winning producer Lisa Lew, and Carson City Councilmember Arleen Rojas Bocatija.
Reggie Lee | Photo by Richard Dixon
Gracing the event is Filipino American actress Joyce Jimenez. Photo by Richard Dizon
Presented by the Philippine Department of Tourism, Philippine Airlines, Estilo Filipino and Lou Razon Couture, the 2025 pageant drew sponsorship from local and international businesses.
Now in its 14th year, Miss and Mister Philippines USA continues to grow in reach and inclusivity.
With the debut of the Empress category, organizers said the pageant reaffirms its mission of celebrating heritage, amplifying Filipino American voices and building a stage where representation shines brightly.
