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Jenny Mercado Ortega

Josh Mercado

<div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1760075633357image0 (16).jpeg" style="width:650px" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/>Photo by Kristian Marquez </div>Philanthropist and painter Jenny Mercado Ortega believes that there is no age limit to pursuing one&#x27;s aspirations and discovering new things in life.In a culture where women are constantly told they are past their prime, Ortega defied expectations and did her own thing — with grace, confidence, and wisdom.“It is never too late. I never imagined I could be this. I was always a mom. I did my best to care for my children. Now, I look forward to doing things for myself,” she told ABS-CBN News. Highlighting that women can do anything at any age, she added, “You simply have to go for it, no matter what. If it fills your soul and makes you joyful, go for it. Age is simply a number. Women can do anything at any age. Nobody should tell us that we are past our prime.”<div> </div><div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1760075702574image1 (12).jpeg" style="width:650px" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/>Photo by Kristian Marquez </div>So she recently joined the Mrs. Universe competition representing the Philippines. Despite not winning the crown, she was one of the most talked-about candidates, thanks to her dramatic gown, which she hand-painted herself.“René Salud designed this Filipiniana terno, which represents the dignity and might of the Filipina. The gown incorporates the sarimanok, a Philippine symbol of color and force that represents my advocacy for women&#x27;s empowerment. It is both a respect to tradition and a declaration of optimism for empowered women,” she shared.In addition to her activism for women&#x27;s empowerment and environmental conservation through sustainable fashion, it is noteworthy that she wore all of her hand-painted creations during the pageant&#x27;s activities, showcasing her appreciation of the arts and culture.“My heart belongs to the Philippine culture and arts. I believe that by promoting social consciousness, we may spark a great movement towards cultural enrichment for all Filipinos,” said the beauty queen.“In my opinion, fashion should be utilized to spread compassion and solidarity while also sharing the stories of people who are more vulnerable,” she added. <div> </div><div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1760075721016image2 (11).jpeg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/>Photo by Kristian Marquez </div>Ortega, an architecture graduate from the University of Santo Tomas, stated that she intends to exhibit some of her gowns hand-painted with the faces of children who benefit from one of her charities.During the Mrs. Universe pre-pageant, the Mrs. Universe Philippines-Pacific 2025 was given special prizes, such as Mrs. Social Cause and a certificate of global honor, in recognition of the causes she supports.She had also briefly dabbled in show business before embarking on her pageantry journey. She was a dancer during the height of Universal Motion Dancers&#x27; popularity. Her single, &quot;In My Bed,&quot; was released in 2023.She has received numerous honors over the years, including the Noble Queen of the Universe for Culture and Arts 2023, Icons of Change 2024: Outstanding Visual Artist and Advocate, and the Philippine Fashion Awards 2025 for Most Influential Woman in Pageantry, Fashion, Visual Arts, Philanthropy, &amp; Business.

Despite not winning the Mrs. Universe crown, Jenny Ortega was one of the most talked-about candidates, thanks to her dramatic gown, which she hand-painted herself.

Despite not winning the Mrs. Universe crown, Jenny Ortega was one of the most talked-about candidates, thanks to her dramatic gown, which she hand-painted herself.

PH bet Jenny Ortega flexes hand-painted gown at Mrs. Universe

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PH bet Jenny Ortega flexes hand-painted gown at Mrs. Universe

Josh Mercado

Published October 10, 2025 02:28 PM PHT

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Updated October 10, 2025 03:54 PM PHT

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Jenny Ortega

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