Filipino singer-songwriter Dia Mate has been crowned Reina Hispanoamericana 2025, following a stellar performance during the coronation night held in Santa Cruz, Bolivia.
Dia outshone 24 other international candidates to claim the coveted title, becoming the second Filipina to win the pageant after Winwyn Marquez in 2017.
The victory was celebrated by her long-time partner, actor-singer JK Labajo, who took to social media to congratulate her. Posting a photo of Dia on his Instagram Story, JK wrote: “Congratulations, baby!”
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Dia’s victory was solidified by her strong answer during the Q&A portion, where she was asked: “What value do you think is the most important to our society, and why do you think this is important?”
She answered: “I think the most important value that we should have is kindness. In my experience here in Bolivia, Latinas have shown me so much kindness and so much love even though racially I am not Latino. And the most beautiful thing I’ve noticed is that even though we don’t speak the same language, we share the same culture, same heart, and same faith in God. I hope this shows everybody that if we use kindness, we can show that we are all the same and can create a better world and a better society for us all.”
Her response earned praise from the judges and the audience, securing her the crown. Dia now succeeds Maricielo Gamarra of Peru, Reina Hispanoamericana 2024.
Before her win at Reina Hispanoamericana, Dia participated in Miss Universe Philippines 2024 and Miss World Philippines 2024. Although she did not win in those national pageants, she persevered and ultimately achieved international recognition.
Dia’s triumph was a culmination of hard work and support from loved ones, including her boyfriend JK Labajo. Just days before the competition, Dia shared a heartfelt birthday message for JK, calling him her “best friend and greatest love.”
The Reina Hispanoamericana pageant, established in 1991 as Reina Sudamerica, initially included only South American nations. In 2004, it expanded to Central American countries and was renamed Reina Hispanoamericana in 2007. The Philippines was invited to compete in 2017, when Winwyn Marquez became the first Filipina to win the title.
