A youth-centered pageant that blended cultural expression with student leadership drew the Filipino community together on November 22, 2025, as Miss Gen Z 2025 took place at the Habitat Hotel in Al Khobar in Saudi Arabia. The event, supported by representatives from the Philippine Embassy in Riyadh and the office of Police Attaché Virgilio Villora, highlighted the growing involvement of Filipino youth in the Eastern Region.
The competition was created by Michael Manalo Olit, a Batangas-born community organizer known in the area for staging pageants for overseas Filipinos. His latest project shifts attention toward inspiring younger participants, particularly students in Saudi Arabia’s Filipino-run and international schools.
Three winners emerged from a roster that included students from the International Philippine School in Al Khobar, Almajd International School in Dammam, and one OFW candidate. Cindy A. Bugagon of Isabela, representing the International Philippine School in Al Khobar, secured the title. She was followed by Almajd International School’s Maha Memay of Negros Occidental in second place, and Princess Tabuco of Cebu City—also from the International Philippine School in Al Khobar—in third place.
Multiple competition segments shaped the evening, with candidates appearing in Cosplay Attire, Winter Attire, Long Gown, and a Production Number before facing the final Q&A. Organizers applied a scoring system weighted equally between beauty and wit, signaling the event’s aim to recognize both presentation and critical thinking.
Directors Done Quiroz and Jojo Sotavilla led the production, while EA Armado and Millet Llamosa served as hosts. Distinguished attendees included Maryjane Pajarillo Tupas, Arnel Navarro, and Janna De Castro, who joined members of the Filipino community in celebrating the participants.
The judging panel was chaired by Judy Rodillas Jadormio and featured personalities from across the region, including Mrs. Norway 2015 Eva Worren Chambers and Assistant Vice President and Saudi-based tech leader Mike Panghulan. Desert Photography, through Edward Salvo and Gaylord Espanola, handled official photo and video documentation throughout the program.
Miss Gen Z 2025 brought together students, educators, and community leaders in an event that underscored the role of Filipino youth in shaping cultural engagement abroad.
