Jacynthe Zena Castillo, a 24-year-old from Sual, Pangasinan crowned Miss Hundred Islands (MHI) 2025 over the weekend, aims to promote volunteerism, focusing on giving appropriate intervention to communities.

Through Actions Through Immersion (ATI), Castillo said the group will ensure aid addresses real needs by implementing firsthand engagement instead of mere turnover of donations.

“While recipients appreciate food and clothing, many lack essential medicines,” she said in an interview Monday, adding that donors must connect with communities to provide meaningful assistance.

She stressed that pageantry should go beyond “physicality” but must also serve as a platform for real change.

Encouraging the youth to embrace their individuality, the Political Science graduate from De La Salle University and an international law firm employee aspires to become a lawyer while still joining national pageants.

A newbie in beauty pageants, she bested 19 other candidates from the different parts of Ilocos Region for the title and the PHP500,000 cash prize.

Other winners were Ghelsy Reign Ravago (MHI Tourism), Divine Grace Malicdem (MHI Environment), and runners-up Anjali Pradeep Kumar and Princess Tucazon.

The event, hosted by Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray, is part of the Hundred Islands Festival (March 7 to 29). (PNA)