PH’s Anita Rose Gomez is 1st runner-up at Miss Asia Pacific International 2025

The Philippines recently celebrated a remarkable achievement on the global pageant stage as our very own Anita Rose Gomez secured the 1st runner-up title at the prestigious Miss Asia Pacific International 2025. The grand coronation night, held in the early hours of Thursday, October 9, at the Cebu Coliseum, saw Brazil's radiant Isabela Fernandes clinch the coveted crown.

Anita's journey was nothing short of spectacular, demonstrating elegance and grace throughout the competition. She didn't just place high; she truly shone, earning the Best in Swimsuit award and finishing as First Runner-Up for Best in Evening Gown during the preliminary rounds. Her talent and charm also garnered her several special accolades, including Miss Cinderella Drip, Miss Hotel 101, Miss RMBZ, and Miss Brainstrong, proving she was a standout contender.

The night belonged to Isabela Fernandes of Brazil, who was crowned by Miss Asia Pacific International 2018 Sharifa Akeel. Outshining 42 other delegates from across the globe, Isabela’s victory was cemented by her profound response to the final question, centered on the theme "Transformation Journey: Her Story Ablaze." Her powerful words, "The fire of transformation starts when we know who we are and where we want to arrive. And... the journey of transformation never ends and will live in transformation every day," resonated deeply with the judges and audience alike.

Completing the esteemed court were Thailand’s Bowonrat Maneerat as second runner-up, Belgium’s Jana Janssens as third runner-up, and Netherlands’ Delilah Elmira Wildeboer securing the fourth runner-up position, showcasing a truly diverse and talented group of women.

Beyond the glamour, a heartwarming highlight of the event was the special recognition bestowed upon all candidates by the Miss Asia Pacific International Executive Board. Their courage and dedication were applauded as they actively participated in volunteer efforts for earthquake victims in Cebu. Following the disaster's initial impact on September 30, the pageant gracefully shifted its focus, realigning activities towards crucial relief operations and awareness campaigns, providing these remarkable women a platform to extend their causes and positively impact wider communities. This commitment to humanitarian work underscores the pageant's long-standing legacy, established in 1968, to foster peace, goodwill, trade, and tourism across the Pacific from its Manila, Philippines base.