From medical practitioner to Ifugao rep in Miss U PH

The 22-year-old newly-certified Emergency Medical Technician is now representing Ifugao, her mother’s hometown, in the Miss Universe Philippines pageant. PHOTO FROM VALERIE WEST

On January 25, West was crowned Reina Filipina North America. Soon, she found herself in the Philippines, ready to compete for the chance to represent the country in the Miss Universe pageant set in Thailand this year.

While it might seem like she was suddenly thrust into the competition, West is no stranger to the pageant scene. She began her journey as Miss York County's Outstanding Teen in 2017, placing in the top 5 at Miss Pennsylvania's state-level competition that same year. The following year, she held the title of Miss Luzerne County's Outstanding Teen and once again secured a top 5 spot in the latter beauty pageant. In 2019, she was named Miss Wilkes-Barre/Scranton's Outstanding Teen and finished as 1st Runner-Up for the state title.

Then the pandemic struck so pageantry had to take a back seat. In the meantime, she completed her Biomedical Engineering degree at the University of Delaware. with the intention to get into pediatric cardiology one day.

That "one day" might take a bit more time with the fast-approaching Miss Universe Philippines pageant.

"I'm excited to be representing my Ifugao roots and also the Philippine community in New York," West said days upon her arrival in the country.

Apart from a college degree, West is also armed with skills in singing, dancing, and competitive martial arts. Singing, in particular, is her passion as she even writes some of her songs. She also joined the GMA Network singing competition show, The Clash, back when she was just 17.

But just like her medical degree, a singing career will have wait as she prioritizes her beauty pageant dreams inspired by her mom, who hails from Kiangan, Ifugao.

"As a Filipino raised by Filipino mom, of course, it's been instilled from a young age love for pageantry.

"I think it has to do with our culture, our values in the Philippines. When you're seeing all these women empowering women and seeing their strong family values, it's hard not to be inspired and want to be that when you're older watching as a little girl."

Besides beauty and brains, West has the heart that make her a queen.

She supports the PUSO Foundation, founded by Robert Banez in 2017, which provides services underserved communities in seven countries through various platform. "Through my partnership with PUSO, I spread the message of 'paying it forward,' and advocate for the importance of service work, especially amongst younger individuals."

"Through small and large acts of kindness, and involvement in one's community, kindness multiplies and lives can be changed globally," West ended.