Sugar Mercado: From Sexbomb girl to beauty queen

From the glittering stage lights of Eat Bulaga! to the dazzling spotlight of the Mrs. Universe stage, Sugar Mercado’s story is one that continues to inspire women who dream of redefining themselves — no matter where life takes them.

Once known as one of the energetic and witty members of the iconic SexBomb Girls, Sugar Mercado has now added another title to her name: Mrs. Universe Official 2025 winner. On Facebook, the TV personality couldn’t contain her joy as she reflected on her incredible journey from dancer to certified beauty queen.

“Mga misis, umaga na pero 'di ko pa tinatanggal ang korona ko sa ulo ko… Never in my wildest dream na magiging beauty queen ako (Ladies, it’s already morning but I still haven’t taken off my crown… Never in my wildest dreams did I think I would become a beauty queen). As in nevaaah!!” she wrote, expressing disbelief and pure happiness.

A new kind of stage

Sugar shared that every time she joined a pageant — both national and international — she would question if she truly belonged in that world. Used to “bardagulan” and laughter-filled stages, she found the world of pageantry to be a whole new challenge.

“Sanay kasi ako makipag-bardagulan at makipagkulitan sa entablado tulad ni kapatid Herlene Hipon Budol (I’m used to being playful and rowdy on stage, like my sister Herlene ‘Hipon’ Budol),” she confessed. “Pero pwede pala mangyari eto kung may tamang tao mag gagabay at nakakita ng potential sa kakayahan tulad namin ni Hipz (But it turns out something like this can happen when the right people guide you and recognize the potential in talents like ours — mine and Hipon’s).”

Her candid words reveal both humility and humor — traits that have endeared her to Filipino audiences for years. She credited Wilbert Tolentino, her mentor and supporter, for seeing her potential and guiding her through the process.

“Kapag malapit ka kay Lord, Siya na pala mismo magbibigay ng daan at guardian angel… Kaya maraming salamat mima Wilbert Tolentino sa oportunidad (When you are close to the Lord, He Himself will make a way and send a guardian angel… That’s why I am very thankful to Mima Wilbert Tolentino for the opportunity),” she added.

Queen of authenticity

True to her roots, Sugar proudly embraces her “squammy” personality — raw, real and relatable. She reflected on how encouragement, mentorship, and faith transformed her confidence, even joking about how her “125MB brain cells” suddenly felt like “4 terabytes” thanks to all the lessons she gained.

Her honesty struck a chord with fellow moms and fans online, many of whom praised her for representing women who juggle humor, motherhood, and ambition all at once.

“Tayo po ay tinanghal na (We have been declared) Best in Talent, Best in National Costume, at (and) Best in Long Gown,” she proudly shared, thanking her glam team and #TeamKaFreshness family for standing by her side through the intense preparations.

A victory for all moms

Beyond the crown, Sugar’s victory symbolizes hope for single mothers and women reinventing themselves later in life. Her one-minute speech at the pageant — which she humorously said she almost rushed due to the buzzer — perfectly encapsulated her heart:

“This is your super mom in the UNIVERSE where the stars are brighter for a single parent like me!”

Her post ended with a message of gratitude and empowerment:

“Maraming salamat sa mga nag mahal at nag tiwala sa kakayahan ng isang Sugar Mercado na abot ang kanyang pangarap. Huwag tayo sumuko sa lahat ng hamon sa buhay (Thank you so much to everyone who loved and believed in the abilities of Sugar Mercado, who has now reached her dreams. Let us never give up on the challenges of life).”

From SexBomb to supermom

Sugar Mercado’s journey proves that reinvention has no expiration date. From dancing to “Spaghetti Pababa” to walking the Mrs. Universe stage with poise and pride, she has shown that dreams evolve — and that every woman, no matter her past, has the power to rise, sparkle, and wear her crown with purpose.

Because sometimes, as Sugar beautifully proved, the truest queens are the ones who never stopped dancing — even when life changed the rhythm.