From ugly duckling to Miss Baguio 2025

BAGUIO CITY – The lights of the Baguio Convention Center shone brightest on Saturday, September 6, as Janela Andal Recio, a sophomore IT student at the University of the Cordilleras, was crowned Miss Baguio 2025.

Representing her home barangay of Trancoville, the 20-year-old not only claimed the city’s most coveted crown but also swept several special awards, including Best in Swimsuit, Best in Long Gown, Face of Clinique Beauté Et Sourcils, Face of The Beauty Society, and Miss Venus.

A Dream Once Out of Reach

Recio’s victory is all the more remarkable given her own account of an unlikely path to the stage.

“When I was younger, I was quite the introvert, preferring books and quiet corners to the spotlight. People even described me as an ugly duckling,” she revealed during the pageant’s media launch.

“The idea of parading before judges once seemed impossible for someone who felt so awkward and unseen.”

Her journey, she said, was not about transforming into someone else, but about learning to embrace her true self: flaws, insecurities, and all.

“It taught me that genuine beauty comes from within, from stepping out of your comfort zone and discovering the strength you never knew you had.”

Advocacy from the Heart

Beyond beauty and poise, Recio carries a deeply personal advocacy: “Caring Hands for Aging Hearts.”

The program stems from her regrets about not spending more time with her grandparents, who have since passed away.

“There were so many stories I wish I had listened to more intently, so many moments I feel I missed,” she said.

Through her advocacy, Recio hopes to honor the elderly in the community and turn her sense of loss into meaningful action.

“It is my way of making amends, not directly to my grandparents, but to the spirit of grandparenthood and elderly care. With the Miss Baguio platform, I want to ensure that no elderly person feels overlooked or unloved.”

A Queen Who Connects

For Recio, wearing the crown comes with a responsibility to engage deeply with people.

“A queen who resonates doesn’t just wave from a distance. She steps down to listen to stories, share experiences, and connect. It’s not about sitting on a throne above others, but sitting beside them.” -Miss Baguio 2025 Janela A. Recio

The Winning Circle

Recio’s triumph comes with a prize package worth ₱390,000 in cash and gift certificates, plus an overnight stay at the Venus Parkview Hotel and at the Olive Town Center and Hotel.

She shared her winning night with four other titleholders:

• Miss Baguio Malikhain 2025 – Mikaela Coloma Lazaro (Bakakeng SLU-SVP)
• Miss Baguio Kultura 2025 – Zyra Mae Carbonell (Bakakeng Norte/Sur)
• Miss Baguio Kalikasan 2025 – Precious Faith Mirasol (Brookside)
• Miss Baguio Turismo 2025 and SK Federation Baguio Ambassadress – Brynne Cessary Bayang (Middle Quirino Hill)

From a self-described shy girl who once hid behind books to a queen standing at the city’s center stage, Janela Recio’s story is a testament to courage, transformation, and the power of turning personal regrets into a public mission of compassion.