In the heart of La Trinidad, where the scent of fresh strawberries lingers and the mountains cradle hardworking hands, a queen has risen-one who walks the runway with the same determination that farmers tread their fields. Maiko Wai-tan Ibarde, a proud Kankanaey, is more than just Benguet's delegate for Miss Universe Philippines 2025-she is a woman of grit, intellect, and heart.
At 26 years old, Maiko stands tall at 5'8, not just in stature but in purpose. A management accounting graduate who finds beauty in numbers, she understands the backbone of a thriving community-its economy, its workforce, and most importantly, its farmers. Her advocacy is deeply personal: fighting for farmers' rights and elevating farming as a profession. For Maiko, every grain of rice and every harvested vegetable carries the sweat and sacrifice of those who nourish the nation, and she refuses to let their voices go unheard.
Beyond the world of finance and agriculture, Maiko is a woman of adventure. A passionate hiker, she finds solace in the mountains that have shaped her roots in Benguet and Bauko, Mountain Province. She is no stranger to independence, having built her life on her own terms for years. And at home, her love extends to her four cats-one of whom she lovingly adopted, proving that even in the smallest ways, she embraces responsibility and care.
Her journey in pageantry is marked with victories and near-wins that have only strengthened her resolve. She was crowned Miss Raggaza Moda when she joined Miss Aura Philippines, proudly wearing the sash of the country on the Miss Summit International stage.
Now, as she steps onto the grandest stage of them all, Miss Universe Philippines 2025, Maiko carries the Cordilleran spirit-the strength of its mountains, the resilience of its farmers, and the warmth of its people. This is more than just a competition; this is a platform to uplift, inspire, and redefine beauty with purpose.
The road to the crown is not walked alone. Benguet, the Cordilleras, and beyond-it's time to rally behind Maiko Wai-tan Ibarde. Let's celebrate our own, raise our voices, and show the world that the highlands don't just produce the finest harvests but also the finest queens. Maiko is ready. Are we?
