Former Miss Universe Philippines candidate Matea Mahal crowned Miss World Jamaica 2026

From competing in Miss Universe Philippines to winning a national crown in the Caribbean, Filipino-Jamaican beauty queen Matea Mahal Smith has achieved another major milestone in her pageant career after being crowned Miss Jamaica World 2026.

The former Miss Universe Philippines 2024 candidate emerged victorious during the national finals held on November 1 at the Karl Hendrickson Auditorium of Jamaica College in St. Andrew, Jamaica.

Representing Aveeno, Matea outshone 22 other contestants to secure the coveted title, earning the opportunity to represent Jamaica at the Miss World 2027 competition in Tanzania.

Her victory marks an exciting development for Philippine pageant followers, particularly those who remember her participation in Miss Universe Philippines two years ago.

Matea received the crown from outgoing queen Nevaeh Allen, who represented Jamaica at the 75th Miss World competition in Vietnam earlier this year.

Completing the winning court were first runner-up Daniella Bullock of Haven Beauty House and second runner-up Celine Walters of Frazsiers Whip.

A beauty queen with Filipino and Jamaican heritage

Born into a multicultural family and raised in Florida, United States, Matea proudly embraces her Filipino and Jamaican ancestry.

Her father, Seitu Smith, is a mathematics educator of Jamaican descent, while her mother, Mari Pantoja-Smith, is a Filipina with a professional background in nursing.

Her multicultural upbringing has given her a strong connection to both countries, making her pageant journey particularly meaningful to supporters in Jamaica and the Philippines.

Beyond her beauty queen credentials, Matea has also established an impressive academic background.

She graduated cum laude from the University of Florida with a Bachelor of Science degree in Behavioral and Cognitive Neuroscience.

A board-certified patient advocate, she is currently pursuing further studies at the University of New England as she works toward her ambition of becoming a physician.

Her interest in healthcare has also influenced her humanitarian work, which focuses on improving the lives of children and individuals facing serious medical and personal challenges.

A crown with a meaningful purpose

Central to Matea’s advocacy is “Love Always, Matea,” a charitable initiative she established in 2022.

The project provides assistance to children and young people dealing with illnesses, disabilities, and difficult life circumstances.

Its activities have reached communities in Jamaica, the Philippines, and the United States.

In Kingston, Matea also serves as an ambassador for Sophie’s Place Children’s Home, supporting programs that promote the welfare of children with disabilities and their caregivers.

Her humanitarian efforts have extended to disaster relief.

Through a five-kilometer fundraising initiative, she helped generate approximately US$4,000 for communities affected by Hurricane Melissa, benefiting more than 100 families and individuals.

These initiatives reflect the Beauty With a Purpose philosophy of Miss World, which encourages contestants to use their influence to create positive changes in society.

For Matea, winning the national title provides a bigger platform to expand her charitable activities and reach more people in need.

A strong performance throughout the competition

Before securing the Miss Jamaica World crown, Matea had already established herself as one of the strongest contenders through her performance in the preliminary challenges.

She won the Fitness Fast-Track Challenge held at Emancipation Park, demonstrating her athletic ability and physical endurance.

An enthusiastic runner, she credited her preparation and the encouragement of fellow contestants for helping her succeed in the challenge.

“I did it with the girls and they were cheering me on the entire way,” she told the Jamaica Observer.

Matea also placed second in the Beach Beauty competition and third in the Top Model challenge, further strengthening her position heading into the coronation night.

Her consistent performance across the different segments eventually culminated in her national title victory.

From the Philippine pageant stage to Miss World

Matea’s journey is especially notable because of her previous participation in Miss Universe Philippines 2024.

While that experience did not result in a national crown, it became part of her continuing journey in international pageantry.

Two years later, she has found success representing another country that forms an important part of her identity.

Her achievement also highlights the growing presence of beauty queens with Filipino heritage in international competitions.

As she prepares for Miss World 2027 in Tanzania, Matea is expected to continue developing her advocacy while representing Jamaica on one of the world’s most prestigious pageant stages.

With her academic accomplishments, humanitarian initiatives, multicultural background, and previous pageant experience, the newly crowned Miss Jamaica World enters the next chapter of her journey with a strong foundation.

For Filipino pageant supporters, Matea’s victory is another inspiring story of perseverance and determination, proving that an earlier pageant experience can open the door to greater opportunities.

And this time, the former Miss Universe Philippines contender will be carrying Jamaica’s hopes for another Miss World crown while proudly embracing the Filipino roots that remain part of her identity.