Fillyn Joy Pagalan Llorera, a proud UAE-based Filipina, made history by winning the prestigious “Royal” title at the Mrs. Grand International 2024 pageant held in Myanmar. Representing the UAE after her victory in the Mrs. Philippines UAE 2024 Season 2, held in Abu Dhabi on May 25, 2024, Fillyn Joy brought pride to both her home country and the Filipino community in the UAE, becoming the first Filipina to win this coveted title.
In an exclusive interview with The Global Filipino Magazine, Fillyn Joy Pagalan Llorera, a native of Lagag, Sindangan, Zamboanga del Norte, shared her excitement and the emotional journey leading up to her victory.
“There were some language barriers, but it was Mrs. Myanmar who shared the spotlight with me, and I reacted with a calm demeanor,” she recalled. “Then Mrs. Myanmar exclaimed, ‘You won!’ At that moment, it hit me that I had actually won, and I couldn’t help but break into a huge smile. I was definitely thrilled, knowing I would return to the UAE with pride as the first Filipina to take home the crown.”
Fillyn Joy’s journey into the world of pageantry began when she was just 14 years old. Although she paused her participation to focus on work, marriage, and family after moving to the UAE, her passion for the stage remained undiminished.
“Pageantry has been a part of my life for quite some time,” she shared. “My greatest strength is my walk, which even earned me the title of Best in Catwalk during the competition. I truly love performing on a grand stage.”
When asked about her message to aspiring beauty queens, Fillyn Joy offered heartfelt advice: “I want to encourage all women to keep their dreams alive and never let them fade away. Stay focused on your goals and pursue what you genuinely love. Begin by embracing self-love and investing in yourself. Maintain a positive outlook on life, and remember that when you feel good, everything around you will improve.”
Winning the Mrs. Philippines – UAE Grand International title in May 2024 prepared Fillyn Joy for the international stage.
“This experience has deepened my understanding of the importance of self-love. It has encouraged me to fully embrace it, fostering my personal development and strengthening my ability to represent the Filipino community in the UAE at the Mrs. Grand International pageant,” she added.
The Mrs. Grand International 2024, an international beauty title franchised by the Mrs. Philippines Middle East Organization and La Vida Rosa Events, is a prestigious pageant that celebrated the diverse achievements of married women worldwide by awarding titles across various categories, including Estela Fullerton from the USA as Mrs. Grand International Winner, Sixta Rivera from Puerto Rico as Mrs. Grand International (Standard) Winner, and Jyothi Kanumuri from the USA as Mrs. Grand (Classic) Winner.
