8 Filipinos who brought glory to the Philippines in 2025

2025 hasn’t been an easy year for the Philippines.

Amid controversies such as flood control scandals that dominated the headlines, several moments stood out for putting the Philippines in a positive light.

Across pageants, sports, and other global stages, here are the Filipinos who brought glory to the Philippines and raised our flag high in 2025.

Dia Mate: Reina Hispanoamericana 2025

Dia Mate crowned Miss Reina Hispanoamericana 2025 in Bolivia back in February. Photo: Dia Mate/IG

Dia Mate brought home the country’s second Reina Hispanoamericana crown after winning the international pageant in February, which was held in Bolivia.

Aside from the title, Dia also took home the Best in National Costume award for her Ehrran Montoya dress inspired by the Baroque Churches of the Philippines.

Alexie Brooks: Miss Eco International 2025

Alexie Brooks wins Miss Eco International 2025 in April. Photo: The Miss Philippines/IG

Alexie Brooks was crowned Miss Eco International 2025 in April, marking the Philippines’ third crown from the pageant, following Cynthia Thomalla in 2018 and Kathleen Paton in 2022.

Alexie is the first Black and androgynous woman to represent Iloilo in Miss Universe Philippines 2024.

Kirk Bondad: Mister International 2025

Kirk Bondad wins Mister International 2025 on September 25. Photo: Mister International/IG

Kirk Bondad etched the Philippines’ name in Mister International history after winning the pageant on September, 11 years since the country last clinched the title.

He became the second Filipino to win Mister International, following Neil Perez in 2014.

Veejay Floresca: Project Runway Season 21

Veejay Floresca wins Project Runway Season 21 in September. Photo: Veejay Floresca/FB

Filipino trans designer Veejay Floresca won Season 21 of Project Runway in September, bagging the grand prize, which included a $200,000 cash prize, six months of representation by Agentry PR, mentorship with the CFDA, and a spread in Elle magazine.

Veejay previously competed in the inaugural season of Project Runway Philippines in 2008, finishing in third place.

Emma Tiglao: Miss Grand International 2025

Emma Tiglao of Pampanga crowned as Miss Grand International 2025 in Bangkok, Thailand on October 18. Photo: Miss Grand International FB

Emma Tiglao made history after being crowned Miss Grand International 2025 in October, securing a back-to-back win for the Philippines following CJ Opiaza’s reign in 2024.

In November, the Filipina beauty queen returned home and delighted fans with a grand homecoming parade in Makati City.

Jessica Sanchez: America’s Got Talent Season 20

Jessica Sanchez gets a standing ovation for Die With A Smile performance on America's Got Talent. Photo: AGT

After settling for a runner-up finish in “American Idol” Season 11, Jessica Sanchez came back with a vengeance in “America’s Got Talent” Season 20, where she was hailed as the grand champion.

The Filipino-American singer received a standing ovation for her performance of Bruno Mars and Lady Gaga’s “Die With a Smile” during the finale in May and secured her win through public voting.

Alex Eala: SEA Games 2025 gold medalist  

Alex Eala with her gold medal at the 2025 SEA Games. Photo: POC Media Pool

Alex Eala marked several historic firsts in 2025. 

At the Southeast Asian Games 2025, Alex earned her first gold medal and the Philippines’ third gold medal in SEA Games women’s tennis after Pia Tamayo in 1981 and Maricris Fernandez in 1999.

Aside from her gold at SEA Games 2025, she bagged two bronzes in the women’s team event and mixed doubles.

She also made history as the first Filipino to win a Grand Slam main draw match in August and claimed her first WTA 125 title in September.

In November, Alex continued to make the Philippines proud after cracking the WTA Top 50 for the first time in her career.

Niki Buenafe: Face of Beauty International 2025

Photo: Proshot Concept Studio via Nikki Buenafe/IG

Niki Buenafe was named the Face of Beauty International 2025 in November, securing a back-to-back crown for the Philippines after Isabelle Bilasano’s win in 2024. —JCB, GMA Integrated News