The proverbial phoenix rising from the ashes is a symbol of rebirth and resilience. This is the same narrative of the journey of Kathleen “Kai” Espenido. Kathleen is a Filipino-Australian beauty queen, actor, surfer and fashion model who has conquered life’s obstacles, faced her fears and emerged stronger. Currently pursuing the opportunity to win a much-coveted crown, she is representing the sun-kissed island of Siargao as an official candidate of Bb. Pilipinas 2025.

Dust of the past

Kathleen suffered a heart-rending loss when her father Frank died, leaving her mom Liezl — who manages their hostel in the island — to singlehandedly take care of the family.

“Still reeling from my dad’s passing, Typhoon ‘Odette’ ravaged Siargao in 2021, and destroyed our livelihood, leaving us with nothing,” she says. As the eldest in the brood, she knew she had to do something, and there was no time to waste; so, she explored opportunities in Manila. Although admittedly an introvert, Kathleen decided to join Pinoy Big Brother Kumunity Season 10, her first foray into showbusiness, to help augment the family income.

“It was a good thing that I joined because I learned how to react to situations better and the experience boosted my self-confidence,” the 21-year-old stunner recalls. Using the cash prize she received from the reality show, she began rebuilding her family’s life in Siargao, while inspiring others how — from zero and despite the struggles — she has helped herself and her family. Now, their hostel is thriving again.

The path to pageantry

“I was one of the few girls in Siargao who was a bi-racial during my time, so I was often teased by my fellow islanders to pursue being an actress or be a beauty queen. But was very young and I didn’t take that seriously,” Kathleen says. Up until her personal ‘aha!” moment happened. She saw Catriona Gray compete and win the Miss Universe crown in 2018 — and despite being only 14 years old then — she was determined to chart the same course.

“She inspired me. She really set the standard for the rest of us.” When Kathleen’s parents decided to temporarily move to Butuan to provide her with better secondary educational opportunities, she joined Mutya ng Butuan, her first ever stint. The newbie beauty queen went home as first runner-up and resolved to make pageantry her priority.

Kathleen is the reigning Miss Fit Philippines. She won the crown in July 2024. “Winning the Miss Fit Philippines crown was an amazing personal milestone for me. I am so happy that my efforts and hard work paid off. With the title, I am championing the healthy lifestyle, both physically and mentally,” she explains.

Next step, Bb. Pilipinas. The game plan is to prepare for the biggest stage in Philippine pageantry. Currently, she is undergoing training in all aspects of the competition — Q & A, styling, fitness and pasarela and all facets of personality development — thanks to Reign Project Management headlined by power couple Paul Izon Reyes and Jam Aquino.

“I’m really blessed to have amazing mentors and a team which is with me every step of the way. I just really need to focus on myself, be religious in my fitness training, and be mindful of the decisions I make.”

Purposeful beauty

Kathleen is not just another pretty face, as she also exudes innate beauty, grace and purpose. During her recent birthday, she launched her own advocacy initiative, the KAI Project (short for knowledge, action and inspiration). KAI aims to empower individuals to take positive steps in their lives, creating a supportive community that fosters growth and resilience.

“I especially want to help single mothers, because I saw how my own mom financially struggled after my father passed on. Abandoned and neglected children are also close to my heart, and those who belong to the underprivileged families,” she says.

As part of her advocacy, she has visited Nayon ng Kabataan in Mandaluyong, a 24-hour facility that provides temporary shelter, psychosocial care and protection to children who have been abandoned, neglected, orphaned, or abused.  Kathleen gave out personal hygiene supplies to around 100 children on her birthday that marked the launch of the KAI project. As part of the official candidates of Bb. Pilipinas 2025, she was overjoyed to join the pageant’s effort to visit a DSWD center in Pasay.

Coming up roses… and possibly a crown

The future is coming up roses for Kathleen who plans to launch her own swimwear brand (being the island girl that she is!) and she is committed to making waves in the fashion industry while empowering others along the way. Being someone who has been body-shamed for being too skinny, she looked back at these moments, saying, “I am not happy that it happened, no one deserves anything like that. But somehow, I am grateful for this experience because it prodded me to focus only on the positive side of situations. I am strong, and I have set lofty goals. I may never be enough for others but for myself, and those who love me, I am more than enough,” Kathleen shares.

A lot of young people look up to her, but who does she look up to? Well, aside from Catriona Gray, her greatest hero is her mom. “She’s independent and she’s the one who shaped me to be this person that I am today,” she says. And for all those supporting her, she has this to say: “Thank you! It is a good feeling to have this support system as I vie for the Bb. Pilipinas title.”

Watch Binibining Pilipinas 2025 on 15 June at Smart Araneta Coliseum.