Filipina OFWs Claim Cultural Spotlight
A dazzling celebration of resilience, talent and cultural identity unfolded on Friday night as Filipina expatriates took centre stage at the 2025 edition of Miss Philippines Bahrain. Organised by the Filipino Club Bahrain, the pageant has grown into a platform for overseas Filipina workers (OFWs) to express leadership, community pride and personal growth.
Eight finalists competed for the crown in front of a packed audience, demonstrating not only grace and stage presence but also the shared strength of Bahrain's vibrant Filipino community. The winner, 27-year-old Coleen Jane Dobles from Butuan City, emerged as a standout for her composure, eloquence and vision.
Runner-up titles went to Maricon Albuna Gregorio, 28, from Bulacan, and Anne Jelyn Rafael, 22, who also clinched two special awards. The judging panel praised all finalists for embodying confidence and determination, qualities often mirrored in the lives of Bahrain's thousands of OFWs.
Filipino Club Bahrain President Rosemarie Hernandez called the event 'a celebration of the modern Filipina spirit abroad' and emphasised its role in nurturing leadership and unity within the diaspora.
Support from mission
The evening's prestige was marked by the presence of top officials from the Philippine Embassy in Bahrain, including H.E. Ambassador Anne Jalando-on Louis and newly assigned Labour Attaché Orville Balitoc. Their attendance underscored the embassy's backing for initiatives that support OFW empowerment and cultural expression.
Also in attendance were Consul Bryan Jess Baguio, MWO Officer-in-Charge Celia Cabadonga, OWWA Welfare Officer Juvilyn Anns Gumabay, and Mr. Yusuf Lori of the Capital Governorate. Their participation highlighted growing collaboration between diaspora groups and institutions.
Soft power, strong message
Beyond the crown, the pageant served as a powerful statement of identity. In a region where OFWs often face difficult work conditions, events like this offer a much-needed platform for self-expression, visibility and cultural continuity.
Backed by sponsors such as Philippine Airlines, Gulf Medical & Diabetes Center and BFC, the initiative reflects how cultural diplomacy and community solidarity continue to shape Bahrain's inclusive social fabric.
This was not just a beauty contest but a proud celebration of identity, unity and the strength of Filipinas abroad.
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20 hours ago
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Filipina OFWs Claim Cultural Spotlight
TDT | Manama A dazzling celebration of resilience, talent and cultural identity unfolded on Friday night as Filipina expatriates took centre stage at the 2025 edition of Miss Philippines Bahrain. Organised by the Filipino Club Bahrain, the pageant has grown into a platform for overseas Filipina workers (OFWs) to express leadership, community pride and personal growth. Eight finalists competed for the crown in front of a packed audience, demonstrating not only grace and stage presence but also the shared strength of Bahrain's vibrant Filipino community. The winner, 27-year-old Coleen Jane Dobles from Butuan City, emerged as a standout for her composure, eloquence and vision. Runner-up titles went to Maricon Albuna Gregorio, 28, from Bulacan, and Anne Jelyn Rafael, 22, who also clinched two special awards. The judging panel praised all finalists for embodying confidence and determination, qualities often mirrored in the lives of Bahrain's thousands of OFWs. Filipino Club Bahrain President Rosemarie Hernandez called the event 'a celebration of the modern Filipina spirit abroad' and emphasised its role in nurturing leadership and unity within the diaspora. Support from mission The evening's prestige was marked by the presence of top officials from the Philippine Embassy in Bahrain, including H.E. Ambassador Anne Jalando-on Louis and newly assigned Labour Attaché Orville Balitoc. Their attendance underscored the embassy's backing for initiatives that support OFW empowerment and cultural expression. Also in attendance were Consul Bryan Jess Baguio, MWO Officer-in-Charge Celia Cabadonga, OWWA Welfare Officer Juvilyn Anns Gumabay, and Mr. Yusuf Lori of the Capital Governorate. Their participation highlighted growing collaboration between diaspora groups and institutions. Soft power, strong message Beyond the crown, the pageant served as a powerful statement of identity. In a region where OFWs often face difficult work conditions, events like this offer a much-needed platform for self-expression, visibility and cultural continuity. Backed by sponsors such as Philippine Airlines, Gulf Medical & Diabetes Center and BFC, the initiative reflects how cultural diplomacy and community solidarity continue to shape Bahrain's inclusive social fabric. This was not just a beauty contest but a proud celebration of identity, unity and the strength of Filipinas abroad.
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