MRS. PHILIPPINES ARIZONA 2025 CANDIDATE #3

MARISSA DAS

I’m so incredibly proud and thankful to have ran this year! During my candidacy, I strived to proudly represent international adoptees and American Filipinos. Still speechless from my very first pageant experience.

Though I didn’t take home the crown, I’m beyond proud of our new Queen, congrats to the beautiful and deserving Ailyn Shirk, Mrs. Philippines Arizona 2025! I’m honored to have won Mrs. Healthy Lifestyle Living 2025 from Ricky-Aileen Llave and Best in Q\&A 2025 from the judges!

Thank you so much for truly seeing me. From learning to walk the runway to sharing my spoken word poetry, advocating for adoptees, dancing, rehearsing, and speaking on stage, it’s been a journey I’ll never forget. I can’t believe I even did all of that!

To my fellow candidates: thank you for lifting me up, inspiring me, and walking this path beside me. I’m so grateful for every moment, every laugh, every lesson. You are all are so brave, bold, and beautiful beyond words. Thank you.

Candidate #3

Advocacy: International Adoption

Talent: Spoken Word Poetry | CLICK HERE TO READ

Rainbow Village Ministries (Orphanage in Dumaguete)

I am a proud international adoptee from Dumaguete, Philippines. I was placed in an orphanage, adopted, and raised in Cottonwood, AZ since I was 2 years old. As an adopted child, we may often struggle with identity. I’m here to represent that there are those of us not only willing but yearning, to reconnect with and preserve our roots. AND I’m here to also represent and prove that there IS acceptance in the Filipino community that is ready to teach and embrace us, as I have been embraced throughout my pageant journey. Though I am actively learning Tagalog, the Filipino community has welcomed me with open arms. No matter where you come from, your culture is still within you. It is a part of you and there is a community waiting with open arms for you. You are not alone and together, we can connect further with our history and where we come from.

AAPIHM.mp4

THANK YOU TO MY SPONSORS!!

PAST EVENTS!

Pageant Judging Criteria:

Talent - 20%
Evening Gown - 20%
National Costume- 20%
Advertisement Solicitations - 10%
Closed Door Interview - 15%
On-Stage Q & A - 15%

Special thank yous again:

To my parents—your love, strength, and support have shaped every part of who I am. I’m so proud to be your daughter and so blessed by the life you’ve given me. I love you more than words can say. Melanie Axiotis Lohmiller

A heartfelt thank you to Karen Langford Tellefson and Lori Clements-Itson supporting me from Rainbow Village Ministries - the orphanage where my journey began. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

Huge again thank you to Mary Ruiendz for the stunning hair and makeup on such a special day! Your talent is amazing! I appreciate you more than words can say.

A special thank you to the most incredible Nattie Cura - renowned seamstress and designer - who poured so much love and talent into creating my national costume.

A deep thank you to my wonderfully patient pageant coach, Mehlanie Punzalan. From day one, you and your family have supported and guided me and I couldn’t have asked for a better mentor on my very first pageant journey.

A most sincere thank you to Hans Taberna and Jhen Facto-Aquino for leading this incredible pageant with heart and purpose. You gave us a platform to be seen, heard, and celebrated - not just for our beauty, but for our passion and compassion. None of this would’ve been possible without you. Thank you for empowering us all.

Thank you Ryan Christopher Reaño for capturing these special moments and core memories. I can forever look back and feel these moments.

Thank you to our incredible judges for your fairness, kindness, and unwavering support. You made each of us feel encouraged and uplifted while honoring the spirit of true, balanced judging.

Thank you to all my sponsors, Sanroop Singh Roop Films & Studios Flooring America of Chandler Kiran Vedantam The 3000 Club Integrity Home Health Care Xavier Burrell Karen Tellefson Lori Clements-Itson Radio Supa TJ Supa and Shirley Enriquez. Your belief in me will always be remembered.

And again, Thank you ALL for making this a moment I’ll never forget.

Special thank you to all of our sponsors and committee.

2MTC Fix Master and Services, LLC Thank you for our shirts!
Thank you also to Cha and Jong Silfavan of Fix Masters and Services for sponsoring the T-Shirts that our candidates are wearing today.
Thank you Chris Facto and Mehlanie Punzalan of Integrity Home Health Care Services for sponsoring the gift bags and a gift item.
What’s inside the gift bags are sponsored by the following: Thank you to
Star Delong of Star Collection and Signature Lingerie
Arizona Asian American Association - President Asia Espiritu-Dising
Mrs. Philippines Arizona 2022 Karla Monica San Agustin of One Heart Corks by Karla
Hans Taberna of Tahi by Hans
Fleur Magbanua-Mansur and Jess Siozon of One Outsource
Leizel Anyayahan our Mrs. Philippines Arizona 2023
Victoria Aceveda of JV’s Kusina
Charmel Dela Cruz and Marie Villareal of Manila Sunrise and Megaworld
Christoph Hyun of Hyun Business Management
Riza Varela and Jo Dionisio of UR Amazing
Anchelle Arciaga of Anchelle’s Tax and Finance Firm
Ricky and Ailene Llave of TAG Saladmaster
Phoenix Asian American Lions Club
And Million Dollar Diamond Queens Angel and Tristen Aquino

Page updated

Google Sites

Report abuse