Eight talented and empowered women headlined the 2025 Reina Filipina North America Pageant last January 16 at the Bryant Loft in Manhattan. Former Mrs. Philippines-International, Alicia Sta. Maria Almendral expressed her admiration and respect for this year’s candidates, ” I have seen them grow tremendously from the first time that I interviewed them for this search. It is really commendable ow they have balanced their personal lives and schedules to meet the demanding tasks of representing the trip state at the Miss Universe-Philippines Finals this April.” she enthused during a brief interview with her .

This year’s lovely contenders are:

1. Amanda Salvador Russo

Student

Height: 5’10”

Age: 20 Years Old

Amanda Salvador Russo, a 20-year-old finance student at Penn State University, is a passionate advocate for the elderly, with aspirations to establish her own foundation dedicated to their care. Standing 5’10” and originally from Avondale, PA, Amanda proudly embraces her roots in Pampanga, Philippines, through her mother. She is deeply passionate about art, reading, and volleyball, balancing her active lifestyle with meaningful time spent with loved ones.

Amanda has supported charitable causes through fashion shows and volunteers at nursing homes. By joining pageants, she hopes to represent hardworking Filipinos worldwide and inspire others through compassion and service.

2. Angelica Joan Sison Mellomida

Research Scientist

Height: 5’4”

Age: 29 Years Old

I’m Angelica Joan Sison Mellomida, a 29-year-old New Jersey native and Consumer Research Scientist at L’Oreal USA. Growing up by the Jersey Shore, particularly Long Beach Island, I cherish the healing moments with loved ones – the feeling of the warm sand and sound of waves crashing along the shore. These experiences inspire my passion for Mental Health Awareness.

Our minds are powerful, capable of brilliance and struggle. Through the Reina Filipina North America Pageant, my mission is to guide those facing mental health challenges. From being a shoulder to cry on or an open heart to listen to words difficult to express. Support is always here.

3. Julian Del Rosario

Entrepreneur

Height: 5’3”

Age: 35 Years Old

Hello there! I am joining Reina Filipina North America here in New York on January 19, 2025 it is the pathway to Miss Universe Philippines. I am honored and thrilled that at this time and age that I can still pursue even the things I do not even dream of anymore. With my advocacies, I do believe and want to send a message to every women and girls especially to my son Daniel and my princess Serene that I can be mommy, entrepreneur, wash dishes, be silly and be a beauty queen. I am here to redefine what it is to be a beauty queen. It is to be your true beautiful self starting from the within, to age gracefully, to embrace your natural beauty and to always act with love and kindness.

To be a beauty queen is the epitome of what is it to be a woman and to be a woman is to celebrate yourself outside this world’s beauty standards. Most of all to share your greatest asset which is your mind and heart. At 35 years old with 2 children, with stretch marks, scars and flabs, I’m speaking to all the women across the continents that my life has just begun. Keep going. All glory to God.

4. Valerie Claire West

Biomedical Engineer

Height: 5’5”

Age: 22 Years Old

Valerie West is a 22 year old, published musculoskeletal researcher and newly-certified EMT. She completed her Biomedical Engineering degree at the University of Delaware, and has future plans of medical school to pursue pediatric cardiology. Apart from her passion for medicine, she also enjoys singing, dancing, and competitive martial arts. She has performed around the world, including The Apollo Theater and even the Philippines. Proudly a dual citizen of the US and Philippines, Valerie’s roots trace back to Kiangan, Ifugao, through her mother. She is grateful for the opportunity to further explore her heritage through Reina Filipina, and looks forward to sharing her journey with you all.

5. Melanie Stokes
Student

Height: 5’7”

Age: 19 Years Old

Hi my name is Melanie Stokes, i am a sophomore in college, i was born and raised in New York to an American father and ilongga mother. I can speak three languages, english, tagalog, and ilonggo. In my freshman year, I ran in track and field and it helped me to develop discipline and reach my weight loss goals. I also love to do yoga as It is very relaxing. Makeup artistry has been my passion since childhood. I love to do makeup because it boost my confidence and is relaxing when i apply it. I love to travel and have been to more than 20 countries. I love trying new things and challenging myself out of my comfort zone. I also enjoy singing karaoke with friends and family because i get to bond with them.

6. Pauline Rowbelle Del Mundo

Global Director, IT Cosmetics

Height: 5’4”

Age: 32 Years Old

Hi, I’m Pauline Rowbelle Magracia Del Mundo, 32 years old, representing the town of Hillsborough, New Jersey. Growing up, I’ve always been surrounded with the Filipino culture from the music, food, all the way to what makes us unforgettable, our welcoming and heart warming spirit. As a community leader and mentor, I have been striving to show that FIlipino Americans still and will always have a heart that stems from the motherland. Together, we can strengthen our community, educate others, and share our bayanihan spirit not just within the Filipino community but to the rest of the universe.

7. Cassandra Reed

Student

Height: 5’9”

Age: 21 Years Old

My name is KC Reed, a 21-year-old Finance student at Pace University. I moved to New York in 2021, having previously lived in Cebu, Philippines, where I completed high school. Growing up across countries like Hong Kong, Manila, and the Middle East exposed me to diverse cultures and perspectives, but also challenges with stability and identity. These experiences deepened my understanding of systemic inequalities, from wealth disparity in the Philippines to gender and LGBTQ+ issues in other regions. They ignited my passion for human rights advocacy, focusing on LGBTQ+ rights, women’s empowerment, and addressing class disparity with empathy and action.

8. Sophia Marie Sefarady

Entrepreneur

Height: 5’2”

Age: 25 Years Old

Sophia Marie Safardy is a dedicated entrepreneur in the cosmetic industry, proudly running her own brand. She carries her Filipino heritage with pride, making her an ideal candidate for Miss Reina Filipina North America.

Sophia’s family-oriented values are central to her life, and she loves traveling to explore new cultures and gain fresh perspectives. Her commitment to her craft, community, and loved ones continues to inspire those around her.