Talk about a grand return!

Blessa Figueroa has put the Philippines back in the spotlight in the long-awaited Miss Asia Pacific International pageant, making a splash after a five-year hiatus since the last event in 2019.

During the Press Presentation on October 1 at Lanson Place Mall of Asia, the California-based beauty secured the second-highest votes in the 'Darling of the Press' poll, trailing only New Zealand’s Katharina Weischede, who topped the list.

Sweden’s Wanja Jennifer Grace Olsson came in third.

This year’s edition marks a new era, led by beauty queen-turned-lawyer Eva Patalinjug, who has taken over as president from Jacqueline Tan-Sainz, who remains the Chief Executive Officer.

After being sidelined by the COVID-19 pandemic, which halted competitions in 2020 and 2021 and led to further delays in 2022 and 2023 due to organizational changes, the pageant finally announced its comeback in February.

The new rules have expanded eligibility to include mothers and married women, raising the maximum age limit to 30.

Figueroa is breaking new ground as the first delegate from

The Miss Philippines, a sister brand of Miss Universe Philippines under Empire Philippines, rather than the traditional Mutya ng Pilipinas. She previously made waves as a finalist in the inaugural Miss Philippines Culture and Heritage Celebration in October 2023 before receiving her international assignment earlier this year.

Determined to uphold the Philippines' proud legacy in the Miss Asia Pacific International pageant, Figueroa aims to become the sixth Filipina to claim the crown, joining the ranks of past winners from 1982 to 2018.(MyTVCebu)

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• #Blessa Figueroa
• #Miss Asia Pacific International
• #Beauty Pageant
• #Darling of the Press
• #Filipina Beauty Queen