Luke Allen
Associate Editor
Makati, Manila
lukeallenmanila@journalist.com
The city of Pagadian has officially announced its contestant for the Miss Philippines 2025 pageant. Miss Pagadian Lisa Marie Suan will represent the city in the upcoming Miss Universe Philippines competition. The announcement comes shortly after Suan was crowned on June 20 in a ceremonious event that underscored the city’s commitment to beauty, grace, and cultural representation.
The coronation event at the Pagadian City Gymnasium was a spectacle of elegance and poise. Lisa Marie Suan, a 24-year-old medical student, captivated the audience and judges alike with her intelligence, charm, and advocacy for mental health awareness. Her crowning moment was met with thunderous applause and a standing ovation, marking a significant milestone for the city.
The esteemed panel of judges included some of the most prominent figures in the pageantry world. Stacey Gabriel, the first runner-up of Miss Philippines 2024, brought her experience and a keen eye for talent to the judging panel. Alongside her were Mags Cue, the Vice President for National and Global Search, and Voltaire Tayag, the organization’s Vice President. Their collective expertise ensured that the selection process was rigorous and fair, ultimately leading to the crowning of a deserving representative.
“We are incredibly proud to have Lisa Marie Suan as our Miss Pagadian 2025,” said Pagadian City Mayor Samuel Co. “She embodies the values and spirit of our city, and we are confident that she will represent us with grace and determination on the national stage.”
Lisa Marie Suan’s journey to the crown was not without its challenges. Competing against 20 other hopefuls, she showcased her physical beauty and her deep commitment to her advocacy. During the question-and-answer segment, Suan spoke passionately about the importance of mental health awareness, drawing from her experiences and medical studies.
“My goal is to use this platform to break the stigma surrounding mental health issues,” Suan stated in her winning speech. “I want to encourage open conversations and provide support for those who are struggling. Mental health is just as important as physical health, and it’s time we treat it as such.”
As she prepares to succeed Chelsea Manalo, the reigning Miss Universe Philippines, Lisa Marie Suan is already working hard. Her training regimen includes public speaking lessons, fitness training, and furthering her knowledge of various social issues. She is also engaging with local communities to understand better their needs and how she can advocate for them on a larger scale.
Chelsea Manalo, who has significantly impacted her reign, expressed her support for Suan. “Lisa Marie is a remarkable young woman with a bright future ahead of her. I do not doubt that she will continue to elevate the standards of the Miss Universe Philippines pageant,” Manalo said.
The early announcement of Miss Pagadian 2025 is a strategic move that sets the tone for the upcoming pageant season. It gives Lisa Marie Suan ample time to prepare and position Pagadian as a forward-thinking city that values the importance of representation in national and international platforms.
The excitement surrounding Suan’s journey is palpable throughout Pagadian. Local businesses, civic groups, and residents are rallying behind their queen, offering support in various forms. From sponsorships to volunteer efforts, the community’s collective spirit is a testament to their pride in their representative.
As Lisa Marie Suan embarks on this new chapter, she carries with her the hopes and dreams of Pagadian. Her story is about resilience, dedication, and the pursuit of excellence. With the city’s unwavering support, she is poised to significantly impact the Miss Universe Philippines stage, inspiring countless others along the way. In the world of pageantry, where beauty meets advocacy, Lisa Marie Suan stands as a beacon of hope and a symbol of what can be achieved with passion and perseverance. Pagadian’s early announcement is more than just a strategic move; it’s a declaration of the city’s faith in their queen and her potential to shine on the grandest stage.
