Maasin City, Southern Leyte — Not even torrential rain, roaring thunder, and crackling lightning could dim the brilliance of the province’s most anticipated pageant night, Miss Southern Leyte 2025. Though delayed due to inclement weather, the event unfolded with elegance and purpose, once again proving that nothing can dampen the spirit of the Southern Leyteños.
Seventeen candidates from across the province proudly represented their municipalities, each showcasing beauty, intellect, and heartfelt advocacy. Hosted by Miss World Philippines 2021 Tracy Maureen Perez and actor Nico Locco, the night shimmered with excitement, energy, and empowerment.
The crown was officially passed on by Miss Southern Leyte 2024 Caryle Anne Beltran, who graced the stage for her final walk and left behind a legacy of grace, strength, and inspiration.
With grace, grit, and a heart full of purpose, Trixie Mae Llevares Faller of Macrohon was crowned Miss Southern Leyte 2025. Born and raised in Pasay, Maasin City, Trixie is the daughter of Geralyn Llevares Faller, a native of Amparo, Macrohon, and Paul More Faller, originally from Pasay, Maasin City. A graduating BS Nursing student at the University of Cebu, she shared that her win was more than just a crown. It was a personal breakthrough.
“I used to be so scared to join beauty pageants, especially because of the question-and-answer portion,” she admitted. “I doubted myself, feared I wouldn’t know what to say, or that my voice wouldn’t be enough. But this title proves that growth begins when you face your fears.”
She reflected on the journey that shaped her. “These experiences taught me resilience, self-discipline, and the importance of standing for something greater than myself. They prepared me not just to wear the crown, but to carry the responsibility that comes with inspiring and serving my province.” Now stepping into her reign, Trixie hopes to be a relatable and empowering role model. “I want to help young people, especially those who doubt themselves the way I once did, to believe in their worth.”
Her personal motto, “Don’t be afraid to fail, be afraid not to try,” reflects her outlook. “Failure is part of growth, but not trying at all is what truly holds us back. I’ll use my voice and platform to inspire others to push through their doubts and believe in themselves.”
Pauleene Mae Aggabao McGuire of Padre Burgos was named 1st Runner-Up. The 20-year-old BSBA-Financial Management student from the University of San Carlos is the daughter of Phil and Darlene McGuire. She is a passionate marine conservation advocate. Having begun scuba diving at the age of nine, she has been involved in coral gardening, reef cleanups, and coastal preservation efforts.
“Pageantry has shaped my confidence and strengthened my sense of purpose,” Pauleene said. “For me, it is a sisterhood and a platform to grow beyond comfort zones.” Outside her advocacy, Pauleene is a self-taught cook and baker, supplying custom cakes to local resorts. She dreams of becoming a corporate lawyer, inspired by childhood legal dramas. Her guiding principle, “Progress, not perfection,” fuels her efforts to promote consistency, growth, and environmental consciousness among youth. “By encouraging self-improvement, environmental awareness, and community involvement, I hope to inspire others to take small but meaningful steps toward positive change.”
The pageant also spotlighted standout performances. Miss Hinundayan, Jubilyn Sabino, received multiple recognitions including Miss Photogenic, People’s Choice, and Best in Evening Gown. Miss Padre Burgos, Pauleene McGuire, also brought home awards for Best in Tourism Video and Miss SLEM Coop. Meanwhile, Trixie Faller earned additional titles such as Best in Production Number and Best in Swimsuit.
During the Top 5 Q&A, Trixie was asked how she would balance tourism with environmental preservation. Her thoughtful response struck a chord: “I believe that the best way for us to promote sustainable tourism is by educating our locals. With education comes knowledge, and with knowledge comes power. We can explore our destinations without exploiting them.”
Rounding out the Top 5 were Miss Sogod as 2nd Runner-Up, Miss Hinundayan as 3rd Runner-Up, and Miss Bontoc as 4th Runner-Up. As of this writing, the SLT team has reached out to the runners-up for interviews but has not yet received a response. (AVista, JHilot & DYbañez
