Anita Gomez ready to raise Phl flag at Miss Asia Pacific 2025

For every beauty pageant aspirant, it’s a dream to win a national title and represent the country on the international stage.

- By Jerry Donato

Anita Rose Gomez of Zambales fulfilled the first part of it when she was crowned Miss Asia Pacific International Philippines last month. She is pursuing the second part as she competes at the Miss Asia Pacific International, with the finals on Oct. 8.

Anita hopes to give the sixth Miss Asia Pacific International crown to the country, which was last secured in 2018 by Sharifa Akeel. The Philippines won it in 1982, 1983, 1989 and 1993.

According to a teaser announcement, the beauty competition with the goal of bringing “together beauty, culture and purpose on one grand stage” takes place at the Cebu Coliseum and is co-presented by the Province of Cebu. Its reigning queen is Janelis Leyba of the USA.

“It was during the coronation night when she crowned me (as Miss Asia Pacific Philippines),” said Anita about the time she met Miss Asia Pacific International 2024 Janelis during a recent sendoff presscon. “And I would say she’s so beautiful, she’s so kind. I describe her as a strong, empowered woman... she’s actually looking forward to seeing me compete at the Miss Asia (Pacific International).”