Cebuana Agnes Jakosalem is Mrs. Grandma Universe 2017

While the rest of the country is still languishing in disappointment after Miss Universe bet Maxine Medina failed to bring home the crown, Cebuanos the world over are doing the exact opposite. Why, you ask? Last January 22, 2017, a Filipina succeeded in bringing home a much-coveted title. Cebu’s very own Agnes Padao Jakosalem, a first-time pageant candidate, bested 14 other ladies from various parts of the world and was named the 2017 Mrs. Grandma Universe.

Last February 1st, during an intimate gathering at Jose Filipino Kitchen at the Cebu Yacht Club in Lapu-Lapu City, Agnes sat down with members of the local media to talk about her beautiful story.

Read on to know more about the amazing journey of this Cebuana grandmother which culminated in her coronation in Sofia, Bulgaria.

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Agnes Padao Jakosalem

Agnes Padao Jakosalem was born in Dapitan City in the province of Zamboanga del Norte. In the early 90s, she moved to Cebu to start her very own family. Although she is a graduate of BS MedTech from the Southwestern University, Agnes is now actively involved in real estate. Agnes is 5 feet and six inches tall and is 51 years old. She has three children and 1 grandchild.

According to Agnes, joining pageants never really crossed her mind in the past. However, with constant encouragement from her children and nephews, she finally gave in and agreed to take part (for the very first time) in one.

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Mrs. Grandma Universe

Agnes was handpicked to represent the country in the prestigious international competition. With the help of generous sponsors like Sheena Beauté Centre, she and her team were able to fly to Bulgaria for the competition.

In Sofia, Bulgaria, 15 candidates from 15 different countries came together to take part in the 8th edition of the competition. 2017 is a pretty special year for the Mrs. Grandma Universe competition. In the past, only European countries were able to take part in the pageant. This year, however, Asian contestants were finally allowed to participate.

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Her Landmark Win

Despite her (very limited) training and experience (or lack thereof,) Agnes succeeded in bringing home the crown. To date, Agnes is the only Asian and the only Filipino to win the title. Agnes shared that her toughest rivals during the competition were the candidates from Peru and Ukraine. Not only were they experienced models and beauty pageant veterans, they also had a pretty solid support team. Despite Agnes’ inexperience and pretty small team (she did her own make-up,) she was still able to positively show the whole world who and what a model grandmother should be.

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Her Advocacy

According to Agnes, winning the title is a huge blessing. She hopes that her win will help convey the message that grandmothers are strong, powerful, and important individuals. Not only are they keepers of age-old heritage and traditions, they are also positive figures that bridge the past and the present to the future.

Now that she’s the reigning Mrs. Grandma Universe, Agnes plans to spearhead projects that grandmothers would enjoy and benefit from. As a Sheena Beaute Centre ambassador, Agnes plans to hold beauty enhancement projects for fellow grandmothers. She also plans to focus on empowerment, livelihood projects, and personal growth.

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The Future of the Pageant

According to Agnes, the Philippines’ participation (second) and eventual win in this year’s competition had such a positive impact on the whole Mrs. Grandma Universe organization. In fact, the team is now looking into the possibility of holding the 9th edition of the contest right here in Cebu!

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Once again, congratulations, Ms. Agnes Padao Jakosalem. The whole country, Cebu most especially, is very proud of you! Mabuhi ka!