Sugar Mercado wins Mrs. Universe Official 2025

Sugar Mercado was crowned Mrs. Universe Official 2025, representing the Philippines.

On Facebook, the showbiz personality shared her disbelief and joy over the victory.

“Mga misis, umaga na pero di ko pa tinatanggal ang korona ko sa ulo ko as Mrs. Universe Official 2025 Winner. Hangga't indi pa eto mag sync in sa sarili ko na totoo pala eto at indi eto isang panaginip, isusuot ko buong araw,” Sugar said.

The victory came as a shock to Sugar, who stated that she never imagined becoming a beauty queen.

She revealed that during her preparation for both the national and international pageants, she frequently questioned whether the world of pageantry was right for her.

“Sanay kasi ako makipag bardagulan at makipag kulitan sa entablado tulad ni kapatid Herlene Hipon Budol. Yung squammy ang atake pero pwede pala mangyari eto kung may tamang tao mag gagabay at nakakita ng potential sa kakayahan tulad namin ni Hipz ay di kami marunong mag ingles,” Sugar said.

Sugar had the realization that she and Herlene are alike in many ways.

“Isa lang naman kaming komedyante na pwede mo nga kami utusan bumuli ng toyo sa kanto ng sari sari store. Palag na kami sa ganun at yung walang arte sa katawan. basta yung may pang chicha. Pero kapag malapit ka kay LORD, sya na pala mismo mag bibigay ng daan at guardian angel namin at gawin cya g instrumento.”

She also credited her mentor, Wilbert Tolentino, for believing in her potential and helping her.

“Yung mga word of wisdom at motivational talk mo sa amin bilang komedyante at sa palagay namin na 125mb lang ang brain cells namin. Parang ramdam namin nagiging 4 terabite basta kailangan lang makinig sa mga pointers at learnings at kailangan lang dagdagan at samahan  ng tyaga at haba ng pasensya makukuha din natin ang indi possible ay pwede maging possible,” she said. 

Sugar highlighted the unique power of heart-to-heart talks given by their mentor, which provided strategies and reasons not to give up during moments of hesitation on stage.

She also expressed immense gratitude for her entire support system, including Madam Inutz.

Aside from the title, Sugar also won Best Talent, Best National Costume, and Best Long Gown at the competition held in San Pedro, Laguna.

“This is your super mom in the UNIVERSE Where the stars are brighter for a single parent like me!” she said. “Again, maraming salamat sa mga nag mahal at nag tiwala sa kakayahan ng isang Sugar Mercado na abot ang kanyang pangarap at huwag tayo sumuko sa lahat ng hamon sa buhay.”

Congratulations, Sugar!

—Carby Rose Basina/CDC, GMA Integrated News