AJ Verzales Queniahan, 18, from Santa Fe, was topped first runner-up in Miss Universe Philippines Cebu 2025. | Contributed pictures
For first-timers, the world of pageantry can appear intimidating. It’s a stage the place confidence meets competitors, the place one’s strengths are examined in opposition to the brightest and most ready.
Many first-timers face a steep studying climb, typically riddled with self-doubt and the strain to excel. Nevertheless, for AJ Verzales Queniahan, becoming a member of Miss Universe Philippines Cebu 2025 was a brave leap of religion that led her to assert the primary runner-up title.
At simply 18 years outdated, AJ, a first-year BS Tourism Administration pupil at Indiana Aerospace College, has already launched into a pageantry journey that goes past the attract of the stage. Her imaginative and prescient is concentrated not solely on private progress but additionally on utilizing her platform to encourage others.
In an interview, AJ shared that the important thing driving power behind her willpower and success is her close-knit household. She stated their assist has been the bedrock upon which she has constructed her goals.
Her mother and father, who handle a enterprise specializing in meals packaging and equipment, haven’t solely instilled in her a powerful sense of self-discipline however have additionally been her pillars of power all through her endeavors. Regardless of their demanding schedules in working the enterprise, AJ stated her mother and father persistently make time to attend her occasions, encouraging her each step of the best way.
“They’ve been my biggest supporters all through this journey. From encouraging me to step out of my consolation zone to attending all my occasions regardless of their busy schedules, their unwavering assist has been my anchor,” AJ stated.
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AJ Queniahan stated that becoming a member of Miss Universe Philippines Cebu was a daring choice for her. She talked about that when she was 14, individuals had inspired her to pursue pageantry, however she was hesitant at the moment.
She confessed that she had all the time been a shy particular person, preferring to remain within the background. Nevertheless, as time handed, she realized she wished one thing new and difficult. She determined to take a leap of religion, telling her handler that she was able to step out of her consolation zone.
“Sooner or later, I spotted I wished one thing new, one thing large. I instructed my handler, ‘I’m able to step out of my consolation zone.’ And right here I’m now, ending the 12 months with one thing really monumental,” AJ stated.
She recalled how her preparation for the competitors was rigorous. She stated she felt overwhelmed with emotion the second she was formally introduced as a candidate. She confronted criticism from some who instructed her, “You’re nothing” or “You’re nonetheless a child.”
Regardless of these doubts, AJ stated her mother and father and mentors continued to imagine in her, even when she struggled to imagine in herself.
“The second I used to be formally introduced as a candidate, I used to be overwhelmed with emotion. I’d hear individuals say, ‘You’re nothing,’ or ‘You’re nonetheless a child.’ However my mother and father and mentors believed in me, even once I doubted myself,” AJ stated.
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AJ additionally revealed that her bodily transformation was outstanding. She shared that inside one month, she misplaced 10 kilograms, going from 65 kilograms throughout the press presentation to 55 kilograms. Her food plan was strict, consisting largely of boiled eggs. Whereas it was robust, she acknowledged that it was mandatory to construct the arrogance she wanted on stage.
She admitted that the journey was equally difficult, as there have been days when she wished to stop. Nevertheless, she pushed via, exhibiting up for coaching and motivating herself to do higher.
Because the youngest contestant, AJ Queniahan confronted distinctive challenges. She was typically known as the “child” of the group, which, whereas endearing, additionally introduced strain to show herself.
“Whereas it was candy, it additionally meant that some individuals didn’t see me as robust sufficient to compete on the similar stage because the others. It felt like there was a relentless strain to show myself,” she shared.
“I took inspiration from this season’s theme, the gumamela—a flower that blooms superbly over time. Identical to that flower, I’m blossoming into a powerful and assured lady. I wished to show that age is only a quantity, and even at a younger age, we will obtain our goals and stand tall, it doesn’t matter what others might imagine,” she added.
When she was introduced as the primary runner-up throughout the coronation, AJ recounted feeling overwhelmed with emotion, sharing that she and Ate Gabbi have been each in tears. AJ had solely hoped to make it to the Prime 10, however she stated that God gave her greater than she ever imagined.
“At that second, all I may take into consideration was how grateful I used to be to everybody who believed in me—my household, my mentors, and all of the individuals who supported me alongside the best way. It was a dream come true, and I felt so blessed to have made it this far,” AJ stated.
Her hometown of Santa Fe additionally performed a big function in her journey. AJ shared that 60 Santa Fehanons have been there cheering her on throughout coronation night time. Their power was contagious, and she or he carried that assist together with her all through each second of the competitors.
AJ expressed how proud she was to symbolize Santa Fe and the way grateful she was for his or her unwavering assist.
“Each time I stepped on stage, I felt like I used to be representing not simply myself, however my entire city. Their power was contagious, and I carried that with me each second of the competitors. I’m proud to be from Santa Fe, and I’m grateful for all the things they’ve carried out to elevate me,” she stated.
As a magnificence queen, AJ Queniahan hopes to encourage younger ladies. She urged them to “by no means underestimate the facility of believing in your self.”
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In response to her, it’s not about perfection; it’s about embracing your distinctive strengths and stepping out of your consolation zone. With onerous work, perseverance, and religion, she believes anybody can obtain something.
“I need them to know that true magnificence comes from inside—from confidence, kindness, and the braveness to pursue your goals, irrespective of how large they appear. I hope to encourage younger ladies to all the time belief of their potential, be unapologetically themselves, and know that their goals are legitimate, irrespective of their age or background,” she stated.
Trying forward, AJ is concentrated on launching her advocacy group, “The Kids of Mild to the Universe,” which helps kids’s training. She emphasised that this trigger is not only a pageant initiative however one thing near her coronary heart. “I need to use my platform to amplify their voices and make a tangible distinction of their lives,” she stated.
Whereas AJ Queniahan stays open to becoming a member of extra pageants, her final purpose is obvious: “I’ll keep targeted on uplifting and empowering these in want, particularly kids. This journey is only the start.”
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