By: Sarah Rosales I Published: February 26, 2025
The 18th annual Ms. Philippines (Ms. PHL) Pageant was held on Feb. 1 at Newark Symphony Hall, where 20 Filipino women competed for the title of Ms. PHL, including Kean’s very own Hope Gelvoligo.
Gelvoligo, a sophomore sociology student, represented Filipinos Uniting Nations at Kean (FUNK). This year’s theme was “Paglago”, which roughly translates to “growth” from the Filipino language.
On the official Ms. PHL 2025 Instagram, contestants were asked the following: “How can we plant the seeds of today to bloom into a prosperous tomorrow? How does nurturing our relationship to our Filipino heritage pave the way for a flourishing future?” Through the theme, Gelvoligo sought to tell her own story.
Ms. PHL consists of three main events: the gown walk, where contestants are judged for their confidence, the cultural portion, where contestants showcase a personal story to relate to the show’s theme, and a talent demonstration, where points are awarded for how impressive the contestant’s talent is.
Gelvoligo was accompanied by her entourage for her gown walk, Leian Macapagal and Alexis Orallo. Macapagal was FUNK’s 2023 Ms. PHL representative, and Orallo was the 2024 representative and second runner-up.
“I was really glad that she took my suggestion when it came to her gown walk. I thought it was heartfelt,” said Macapagal. She suggested a walk inspired by The Powerpuff Girls, accompanied by FUNK’s previous representatives because Ms. PHL’s current and past two thematic colors reminded Macapagal of the cartoon. “I didn’t realize how iconic it would end up being.”
For her talent portion, Gelvoligo stood with Orallo and another member of her entourage, Alyssa Quizon, a Montclair student. They performed a passionate and earnest lyrical dance to “Teenage Dream” by Olivia Rodrigo.
“I was very happy when she gave me the ‘open-arms’ with her talent portion and let me do the choreographing,” said Orallo.
Gelvoligo has been a dancer since she was little. She did competitive dance for five years and cheerleading all throughout her high school years, so it was no surprise that she would take to sharing her story through dance.
“I wanted to do something that was always my expertise,” Gelvoligo said. “I wanted to tell my story in the way I knew how.”
Gelvoligo may not have placed for Ms. PHL, but she went home with strong bonds formed with her fellow contestants.
“I was afraid it was too cliquey,” Gelvoligo said, “…but it became a family. Every Saturday that we would have practices, it didn’t feel like a practice. It was just a bunch of silly girls getting together to have fun.”
Gelvoligo currently sits as FUNK’s Co-Director of External Public Relations alongside Macapagal. After she completes her undergraduate studies, she hopes to get her Masters in social work. Her goal is to one day become a social worker for families so that she can help them be the best versions of themselves.
To the next young woman who will represent FUNK at Ms. PHL next year, Gelvoligo leaves her with this: “Remember the purpose of the pageant. It’s really easy to get caught up in the attention… It’s easy to forget what the main purpose of the event is, and that is to simply tell everyone why you’re here today and the story that made you, you.”
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