Marilag Odtohan

'Forever Reina': Dia Maté reflects on Reina Hispanoamericana reign

As her reign draws to a close, Dia Maté took to social media to look back on what she describes as one of the most meaningful chapters of her life—her time as Reina Hispanoamericana 2025.

Article (news)

ABS-CBN News

<p>MANILA -- As her reign draws to a close, Dia Maté looked back on what she describes as one of the most meaningful chapters of her life—her time as Reina Hispanoamericana 2025.</p><p>The Filipina beauty queen reflected on a journey she said turned out to be far more meaningful than she had ever imagined.</p><p>“Beyond titles and expectations, it became a year of growth, connection, and purpose,” she wrote in a social media post.</p><div style="text-align:center"><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FabscbnNEWS%2Fposts%2Fpfbid02PCDTRYSK1RrUMqZWr5bXR2ubpnYrtNXSaHQgE6KimqhbhueMwkLbtanfMqeu4nbSl&amp;show_text=true&amp;width=500" width="500" height="709" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><p>For Dia, winning the crown was not just a personal victory but a historic milestone. </p><p>“I never imagined I would be the second Filipina to wear the crown—yet this journey proved that anything is possible. It has been both an honor and a responsibility, one that has shaped who I am today,” she added.</p><p>Her words carried the strength of a queen who has embraced the privilege and the duty that come with the title. Quoting in Spanish, she shared: “Lo más valioso no se ve, se siente.&quot;</p><p>Dia became the second Pinay contender to win the Reina Hispanoamericana title after besting 24 candidates last February 2025. </p><p>Aside from the crown, she also earned the Best in National Costume award for her baroque church-inspired costume called &quot;BANAAG,&quot; which was designed by Ehrran Montoya.</p><p>The country has a relatively young journey in the pageant after it only debuted in 2017, venturing into new territory largely ruled by Latina contenders. </p><p>Winwyn Marquez was the first Pinay to compete in the competition and immediately made her mark by clinching the crown. Her triumph paved the start of a steady rise, as Pinay beauties carved out their space on the international stage. </p><div style="text-align:center"><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FabscbnNEWS%2Fposts%2Fpfbid02USh9FLzsTs8yzmJEitnjSvHwsDPH5xCsoN8N2tsJkbyNgxLBgnJ4HLrquq9RKCwHl&amp;show_text=true&amp;width=500" width="500" height="814" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><p>Now, the spotlight shifts to Beatriz Abalajon Mclelland, who is carrying the momentum built by her predecessors and the hope to defend the country&#x27;s reign in the upcoming coronation in Bolivia on Sunday, February 22 (PHT). </p><p>As Dia prepares to pass on her crown, her reflections echo beyond a single reign. </p><p>For her, the true essence of being Reina Hispanoamericana was never just about wearing a crown — &quot;it lives in the heart, in the impact we leave, and in the legacy we carry forward.”</p>

<p>As her reign draws to a close, Dia Maté took to social media to look back on what she describes as one of the most meaningful chapters of her life—her time as Reina Hispanoamericana 2025.</p>