How it all began…
From that awakening, Queen of Queens Europe was born, not as a typical beauty pageant, but as a stage for stories that too often go unheard. This wasn’t just about gowns or glamour. This was about reclaiming identity. This was about honoring the quiet strength of Filipina women in Europe.
And so, on a radiant evening in April 12, 2025, the third official edition of Queen of Queens Europe unfolded—grander, deeper, and more meaningful than ever.
A Stage Set for Purpose
This year’s production stood on the shoulders the past years inaugural event, but it soared even higher. Thanks to the unwavering support and strategic brilliance of Kacper Grzegorzak, Jethro’s business partner and logistical anchor—the dream took full form. Kacper was the man behind the organisation, the plans, and the long nights of preparation. With him, Jethro could focus on the heart of the event while knowing the foundation was solid beneath them.
Equally pivotal this year was Michelle Winklerstar of Winklerstar 8 Entertainment, the official co-producer of Queen of Queens Europe 2025. Michelle brought not only heart but also structure to the event’s financing and operations. A long-time supporter of Filipino-led initiatives in Europe, Michelle stepped in with clarity and commitment handling everything from sponsorship management and budgeting, to ensuring vendors, glam teams, and suppliers were secured and paid on time. Her presence brought a new level of professionalism to the production, proving that behind every beautiful crown, there’s a team of people making the vision possible.
Another milestone for this year was the long-awaited debut of the official Queen of Queens anthem, composed in 2023 by Manuel Catamura but delayed due to funding. Finally brought to life by the Sining Pilipinas Singing Choir Ensemble, the song brought many to tears during coronation night a moving soundtrack to a story of sisterhood and sacrifice.
What truly made this year stand out, though, was the remarkable mix of contestants. From first-timers in their 20s to queens in their 60s and even 80s, the diversity in age, background, and experience created a unique energy. Each woman carried her own reason for joining some fulfilling childhood dreams, others hoping to rediscover their voice after years of selflessness.
One unforgettable contestant was an 84-year-old Filipina who glowed with presence during the Q&A segment. When asked why she joined, her response silenced the room:
“I am here to inspire, to uplift, and to enjoy the rest of my life doing what I love.”
A standing ovation followed, not just for her courage, but for the reminder that it’s never too late to embrace joy.
Behind the glitter of coronation night was a week-long build-up filled with rehearsals, fittings, bonding moments, and community work. Days began early and ended late. Contestants trained in runway walking, underwent communication workshops, and prepared emotionally and mentally for the challenge ahead.
Perhaps the most soul-stretching part of their preparation was the Q&A segment. Here, beyond posture and presentation, they learned to speak with intention to articulate their values, dreams, and advocacies with authenticity. They didn’t just answer questions, they offered windows into their lives.
Their evening gowns, each a personal masterpiece, turned the stage into a runway of transformation. With every glide and turn, you could feel the weight of their stories, stitched into silk, sequins, and grace.
But what stood out most was not the competition, it was the camaraderie. These women didn’t just share a stage; they shared snacks, tears, laughs, and last-minute lipstick. They came in as strangers and left as sisters. Some spoke different dialects. Some came from different countries. But all were Filipina. All were QUEENS.
This year’s charity and cultural components added even more depth. Through the Rampa Kultura Fashion Show, guests were introduced to the Bags of Hope collection handmade creations by incarcerated women in Mindanao, Philippines. Each piece took days to complete and stood as a powerful symbol of redemption, patience, and unseen artistry.
In a heartfelt pre-event initiative, the production team traveled to the Philippines and worked with young artists. The prompt? “A Woman is a Queen.” One child’s painting, a portrait of her mother, who worked herself to exhaustion to fund her kids’ education struck a chord with the entire team. That image, raw and honest, became a visual anthem for the pageant. When Jethro shared the story with the candidates, many were moved to tears. Because behind every queen on stage stood another queen at home, a mother, a lola, a tita, a sister who paved the way.
Behind the Magic
None of this magic would have been possible without the village behind the curtain. The glam team, stylists, choreographers, makeup artists, and event staff worked relentlessly to bring everything to life. Between hairpins and stage lights, rice cookers in the backroom, and laughter over pancit and adobo, the production became a beautiful blend of chaos and culture.
And yes, the food. Oh, the food. It brought people together like nothing else could. Whether it was catered by sponsors or lovingly prepared by volunteers, the taste of home never failed to ground everyone amid the stress and sparkle.
By the time coronation night came to an end, there was a collective exhale. Relief. Pride. Gratitude. Tears flowed. Hugs lingered. And for many, it wasn’t the end it was the beginning of a new chapter.
Where Do We Go From Here?
Queen of Queens Europe is still young, but its heartbeat is strong. What started as one man’s awakening is now a growing movement of empowered women ready to lead, serve, and inspire. As we look ahead, the dream is to expand across borders, across generations, across stories. But growth doesn’t mean more crowns. It means more impact. More lives touched. More queens reminded of their worth.
This pageant has never been about perfection. It’s about presence. It’s about showing up fully, scars and all, and standing tall anyway. To every woman who dared to stand in her truth and take that stage—we see you. We celebrate you. And we honor your story.
Because at the Queen of Queens, there’s one truth we hold above all:
Every woman is a queen. She always was.
