Daily TribuneCharlene Jay Bailey of Pagbilao was declared Miss World Philippines Quezon Province 2025 while Dawn Salas of Candelaria was named Miss Grand Philippines Quezon Province 2025.
Miss World Philippines Quezon Province queens in festival costumes at the Seves Hotel and Resort in Sariaya, Quezon.
Photo courtesy of Thom Sabite
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Miss Grand Philippines Quezon Province 2025 Dawn Salas from Candelaria.
Photo courtesy of Joel Maniquis
Miss World Philippines Quezon Province 2025 Charlene Jay Bailey from Pagbilao.
Photo courtesy of Joel Maniquis
JUDGES with the winners: Renee Salud, Philippine Fashion Ambassador to the World; Patricia Javier, actress and beauty queen; Robert Walcher IV, Mister Teen International 2023; Thea Casuncad, Miss Supermodel Worldwide 2024; Krsna Valdellon, Ginoong Laguna first runner-up; Lloyd Arceo, fashion designer; Michelle Asayo of Casa Patricia; Reina Lavares-Raymundo of Queens Luxury Resort; and Norman Tinio, pageant coach, mentor, and blogger.
Photo courtesy of Joel Maniquis
The quaint town of Candelaria witnessed the crowning of two queens who will represent the province of Quezon at two prestigious national pageants. The coronation night was held on 3 May at Ongville Hotel and Events Place and was directed by Nathan de Leon. The pageant hosts were Universal Woman Philippines 2025 Jasmine Omay and Normandy Ethan Laureta. CJ Opiaza, Miss Grand International first runner-up, was in attendance.
Candidate Number 9, Charlene Jay Bailey of Pagbilao, was declared Miss World Philippines Quezon Province 2025 while Candidate Number 4, Dawn Salas of Candelaria, was named Miss Grand Philippines Quezon Province 2025. The First Princess is Candidate Number 7, Marielle Mejico of Candelaria, while the Second Princess is Candidate Number 5, Nicole Mondogaw Neo of Tiaong.
The other finalists were Candidate Number 1 Jeaneth Joy Mercado, Candidate Number 2 Hannah Eugene Claura, Candidate Number 3 Joshly Andrea Briz, Candidate Number 6 Kim Angela Ortega, and Candidate Number 8 Aisatou P. Ganess.
The winners of Miss World Philippines Quezon Province and Miss Grand Philippines Quezon Province hold important roles as ambassadors of beauty, purpose, and advocacy within their community.
“The Miss World Philippines Quezon Province titleholder is expected to embody the pageant’s core principle of ‘Beauty with a Purpose.’ This includes promoting meaningful advocacies such as education, health, environmental sustainability, and community development. She is tasked with engaging in local outreach programs, collaborating with non-government organizations, participating in speaking engagements, and using media platforms to spread awareness about social issues. Her role also includes representing Quezon Province in national-level events and serving as a role model who inspires positive change,” explained Rose Tolentino Santiago, entrepreneur, beauty queen and philanthropist who hold the franchise for both titles.
“On the other hand, the Miss Grand Philippines Quezon Province winner focuses on peace promotion and anti-violence advocacy, in line with the Miss Grand International organization’s goals. Her responsibilities involve championing campaigns that involve humanitarian issues especially in areas of conflict,” said the woman known in the charity circuit as Pink Rose.
Representing the ideals of “Beauty with a Purpose” and “Stop the War and Violence,” they serve as powerful voices for peace, progress, and social responsibility. Their intelligence, authenticity and strong sense of identity allow them to connect with others on a deeper level, making them ideal ambassadors of Quezon Province. More than just titleholders, they are role models — empowered women who are ready to represent their province with pride, compassion, and unwavering dedication on the national stage.
Before she snared the Miss Grand Philippines Quezon Province title, Salas, 20, was asked, “How will you define success as a beauty queen in today’s society?”
She replied: “Standing here at this very stage is already a success to me. Because it’s an opportunity for me to share to the society my purpose. To all who don’t know, I have a brother who is diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. And growing up with him, I have witnessed the pain and the struggles, and most especially the discrimination that he has faced from other people.
“That is why standing here at this very stage is a great success. Because it’s about to tell to all of you that we need to create a more compassionate, kinder, and more inclusive world regardless of our differences. And I hope that all of you, my fellow Quezonians, will join me in this mission.
“Because after all, this is not just for my brother, but this is for all individuals who felt unheard and unseen. And right now, I can say that I’m already successful. Thank you.”
Bailey, 24, who won the Miss World Philippines Quezon Province crown, was asked, “Can beauty be used as a tool for change? If so, how?”
Her reply was “Yes, I do believe that beauty can be used to change. Why? Because it empowers others. It gives confidence to others. Because I believe that everyone is beautiful. Everyone has imperfections. But we, beauty queens, give confidence to others. That behind this beautiful makeup, beautiful gown, we have a heart. A heart full of perseverance.
“A heart full of perseverance. Where we perceive our goals, that we embedded not only ourselves, but also the people behind our journey. And I believe beauty should be always used with a purpose. Thank you.”
The pageant not only gathered the province’s pretty women but also attracted creatives from all over Quezon and Laguna. For the candidates’ festival outfits, the designers were Dannison Adalim Fule, Louis Pangilinan, Chico Estiva, Eys Vergara. Gary Roces, Kenneth Romero and Rey Michael Arida, Gary Roces, Ella Garbin, and Christian Ian Baretto and Kenjie Orinday.
The Filipiniana gown designers were Maricris DP Slodysko, North Ortiz, Ramil Estrope, Karll Rodriguez, Jojo Alidio, Arhon Macaraig, Eys Vergara, Randy Satin, Benedick Eroa, and Dave Lee Reyes.
The selection committee was composed of Renee Salud, the Philippine Fashion Ambassador to the World; Patricia Javier, actress and beauty queen; Robert Walcher IV, Mister Teen International 2023; Thea Casuncad, Miss Supermodel Worldwide 2024; Krsna Valbellon, Ginoong Laguna first runner-up; Lloyd Arceo, fashion designer; Michelle Asayo of Casa Patricia; Reina Lavares-Raymundo of Queens Luxury Resort; and Norman Tinio, pageant coach, mentor and blogger.
A queen supporting queens
“Pageantry is more than wearing a crown; it’s about wearing your heart proudly for others to see. As a beauty queen, I’ve dedicated myself to giving back through charity events, fashion shows, and community programs that uplift and empower. Each event has strengthened my belief that true beauty lies in kindness and purpose. That’s why I chose to align with the Miss World Philippines Quezon Province franchise-because its message, ‘Beauty with a Purpose,’ reflects my own commitment to making a difference,” said Pink Rose.
To expand this mission even further, Pink Rose also took on the role of franchise holder for Miss Grand Philippines Quezon Province.
“It’s a new chapter I’ve embraced with love and responsibility, giving more young women a platform to share their voices, their dreams, and their own purpose-driven journeys. This is my way of creating a legacy of service, strength, and sisterhood, one queen at a time,” Pink Rose shared. “My deep personal connection is what drives me to invest my time, energy, and resources into initiatives that uplift Quezon. My goal is to create sustainable platforms for local talent, especially young women, to thrive.”
In terms of business interests, Pink Rose is passionate about projects that merge purpose with impact. Whether it’s through organizing pageants, community events, or supporting local entrepreneurs and creatives, her aim is to contribute to Quezon’s growth culturally, socially, and economically. These aren’t just business ventures for Pink Rose, but also extensions of her commitment to giving back to the place that gave so much to her.
“As a franchise holder, my commitment to my queens goes beyond simply awarding them a title. I am here to support, guide, and empower them throughout their journey. I will provide comprehensive training and development, including pageant coaching, runway and styling workshops, as well as public speaking and personality development sessions to ensure they are fully prepared for the national stage,” Pink Rose promised.
She will also work closely with Dawn and Charlene to refine their chosen advocacies, connecting them with local organizations and community projects to bring their causes to life. Styling and wardrobe will be a collaborative effort, and Pink Rose will seek sponsorships and partnerships with local designers, glam teams, and brands to help the winners look and feel their best.
Media exposure is equally important, attested Pink Rose, so she will actively promote the winners on social media, coordinate press coverages, and provide media training to help them shine in interviews and public appearances. Logistical and financial support will also be part of her role, from helping with travel and accommodation arrangements to assisting in securing sponsorships and allowances where possible.
“More importantly, I will be there for them emotionally-checking in regularly, offering guidance, and being a steady source of encouragement. Even after the competition, I will continue to involve them in local initiatives and support their growth in whatever path they choose, whether in advocacy work, modeling, or public service,” the philanthropist said.
“My goal is to ensure each queen not only competes but thrives-and leaves a lasting impact as a proud representative of Quezon Province,” Pink Rose proudly said. “Charlene as Miss World Philippines Quezon Province and Dawn as Miss Grand Philippines Quezon Province are the best representatives for our province because they embody not only beauty and grace, but also the heart, spirit, and values of the Quezonian people.”
