The quest for the next Miss Universe Philippines is underway as regional franchises across the country have strated kicking off their competitions.
Among the candidates capturing online attention is Keylyn Trajano, who has made history as the first-ever transwoman to compete in a Miss Universe Philippines franchise.
Keylyn is one of the 16 candidates competing for the Miss Universe Philippines - Pampanga 2025 title, representing Sinura, Porac.
PEP.ph (Philippine Entertainment Portal) had the opportunity to learn more about Keylyn at the Dyson x Valcucine event, which took place on November 20, 2024, at the Valcucine Showroom in Rockwell, Makati City.
"It feels good. I love it because it's been a long-time dream," she told PEP.
This is Keylyn's second pageant for the year, following her top 8 finish at the Century Tuna Superbods 2024 competition in July 2024.
Read: Century Tuna Superbods 2024: Meet the finalists who are shattering limits
Keylyn views her Miss Universe Philippines - Pampanga journey as a form of redirection.
She said, "After my Century [Tuna Superbods] stint, it didn't result as how I wanted, but I guess it's more of a redirection.
"I guess it's the redirection that I'm looking for. I feel like the advocacy is more aligned with the platform, with the pageant.
"It's gonna be a much more bigger stage to advocate for what I'm really fighting for, what I really wanted to do... to be the voice of change, to share the wisdom of authenticity to all the viewers and the aspirants."
KEYLYN TRAJANO: LONG-TIME DREAM
Her aspiration began to take shape in 2011 when the Miss Universe Organization opened its doors to trans women candidates.
In 2018, Angela Ponce made history as the first trans woman to compete in Miss Universe, representing Spain.
Then, in 2023, Marina Machete of Portugal made her own mark by becoming the first trans woman to reach the Top 20.
She recalled, "I wanted to compete in Miss Universe [Philippines] already... first, after I joined Century [Tuna Superbods] in 2020.
"It was during the time, it was the pandemic. I just finished Century [Tuna Superbods]."
The 29-year-old marketing practictioner was initially planning to compete in Miss Universe Philippines 2021, the year Bea Luigi Gomez took home the crown.
However, she chose to put her plans on hold.
She said, "It wasn't the time yet, maybe also I needed financial instability. Kasi part of competing is financial stability, preparation, mental health, you know, overall health, support from your friends and family. You know, it's a totality.
"So I think now it's more, I'm more prepared because of course maturity na rin, experience, the wisdom, and maybe the confidence na rin.
"And of course, public speaking. I'm more confident in talking eloquently than before."
When the opportunity arose, Keylyn decided to seize it by joining Miss Universe Pampanga. Now, she feels ready to present her authentic self to the world.
She told PEP, "Basically right now, it's a different mindset for me from my past stints with other pageants. I'm more relaxed.
"I'm just doing what I love doing, which is showing up myself, being myself. I think, again, I'm promoting authenticity.
"I just want to show myself for who I am. And I'm enjoying every moment. I'm basking in every moment. I'm enjoying [the company of] my new sisters.
"I'm enjoying the position that I have, that I'm able to be heard finally. Because that's the point of me joining is to really be a voice.
"To be heard, to advocate for the LGBT community, to advocate for the trans community, and to be able to implement change, not just by words but through actions."
GETTING READY FOR THE CROWN
What are her preparations for the grand finals?
At the moment, she has been practicing her "pasarela" or pageant walk.
She explained, "That's my weak point. I'm not really good at pasarela. Some people say I'm good at pasarela, but for me, I don't think I am.
"So I keep training. I'm training with two pasarela trainers. I'm not gonna say who but we'll see in the walk soon."
As an independent candidate, unaffiliated with any pageant camp, Keylyn shared that she is taking a hands-on approach in refining her skills across various aspects of the competition. This includes honing her abilities in public speaking, question and answer, makeup, and styling—all with the support and guidance of close friends who serve as her mentors.
She said, "I'm also doing my coaching Q&A with lawyer friends and of course my close friends. I'm also training for different styles of showing of myself and styling.
"I really want that this Miss Universe candidacy is something that I can show my creativity.
"Because this candidacy is more of like collaboration with different people in the industry, different creatives, different women.
"I don't have a camp. So it's me, my creativity and the creativity of everyone in the community."
KEYLYN TRAJANO: WHAT MATTERS CAMPAIGN
As part of the competition, Keylyn introduced her "What Matters" campaign, which advocates for inclusivity, diversity, and empowerment.
"I've always thought about what really matters in our lives. My story is talking about that. Because my past and what happened, what I've experienced, all of those are learnings.
"But at the end of the day, it doesn't matter. Because what matters is what we're doing in the present and what we could do in the future to make sure that everything matters and that our viewers matter and all of us matter."
Keylyn is grateful for the support she has received, but she is also aware of those who oppose her participation in the pageant.
Despite this, she remains steadfast in her campaign for inclusivity and empowerment.
She said, "It's actually until now overwhelming. I am still in awe with everything that's happening. I know some people have different opinions.
"I know that there's still a lot of negative energy around us. But me personally, I've already prepared myself for that.
"Again, I'm already at my age that I... Again, doesn't matter. You know, what matters is myself. What matters is what I'm doing for the community.
"What matters is what the people who are inspired in my story, who also feel inspired for at least to spark change.
"And give them hope. Because at the end of the day, we as trans people, we just want to be happy. And maybe my candidacy will make future generations of the trans community happy."
READ MORE: