Cyrille Payumo’s quiet power shines at Miss Charm 2025

Cyrille Payumo stepped onto the Miss Charm 2025 stage carrying more than just a sash — she carried intention, pride and a deeply personal sense of purpose.

Less than an hour before coronation night in Vietnam on Friday, 12 December, the Filipina beauty queen shared a message that captured the spirit of her journey: “My heart is full and proud to represent the Philippines with everything I am.” It was a quiet declaration, but one that echoed through her performance as she delivered a confident showing that earned her a place in the Top 20 and the Best in National Costume award.

Payumo advanced in the competition following the swimsuit round, standing out not through excess, but through clarity of concept and presence. While the Miss Charm 2025 crown ultimately went to Anna Blanco of Venezuela, who succeeded Malaysia’s Rashmita Rasindran, the Filipina delegate left an indelible mark with a run that emphasized meaning over spectacle.

Germany’s Luisa Victoria Malz and Indonesia’s Rinanda Aprillya Maharani finished as runners-up, while Thailand’s Naruemol Phimphakdee and Mexico’s Francia Cortés completed the Top 5.

Miss Charm, launched only in 2023, is the first international beauty pageant founded in Vietnam and continues to establish its identity on the global stage. For the Philippines, the title remains elusive after three attempts, though the country’s representatives have consistently made their presence felt. Like Payumo, Kayla Carter previously placed in the Top 20, while Annabelle McDonnell came closest to the crown as first runner-up. Philippine delegates to Miss Charm are selected by The Miss Philippines, a sister brand of Miss Universe Philippines.

Throughout her Miss Charm 2025 journey, Payumo appeared to follow a unifying theme: that small, often overlooked things can create powerful impact. This philosophy was most evident in her award-winning national costume, inspired by the humble salakot, a wide-brimmed hat traditionally worn by Filipino farmers. Elevated with gold rice grain embellishments and intricate ornamental patterns, the look transformed a symbol of everyday labor into a statement of dignity, heritage, and pride — earning her the Best in National Costume honor.

The same storytelling carried through to her preliminary competition gown, a couture piece inspired by ants — creatures often dismissed for their size, yet known for resilience and collective strength.

Reflecting on the design, Payumo shared, “This gown was born from a spark, stitched with hard work, and carried with pride.” She added, “I walked with the spirit of every Filipino who keeps going no matter how small the beginning is.” The message resonated deeply, mirroring her own path in the competition and reinforcing her identity as a delegate who led with substance.

While she did not take home the crown, Payumo’s Miss Charm 2025 journey stood as a testament to intentional representation — where cultural nuance, thoughtful symbolism, and quiet confidence spoke just as loudly as grandeur. In a competition still shaping its legacy, her performance affirmed that impact is not always measured by titles alone, but by the stories that endure long after the lights dim.

SPECIAL AWARDS

People’s Choice – USA

Best in Evening Gown – Germany

Miss Tourism – Vietnam

Best in National Costume – Philippines

Best in Swimsuit – India

Best in Social – Cambodia

Miss Inspiration – Italy

Best Face – Poland

Miss AI – Thailand

TOP 5

Venezuela

Germany

Indonesia

Thailand

Mexico

TOP 12

USA (People’s Choice)

Colombia

Mexico

Germany

India

Brazil

Indonesia

Venezuela

Netherlands

Vietnam

Bolivia

Thailand

TOP 20

Australia

Bolivia

Brazil

Colombia

Cambodia

Costa Rica

Germany

India

China

Mexico

Moldova

Netherlands

Philippines

Indonesia

Puerto Rico

Malaysia

Thailand

USA

Venezuela

Vietnam