Comm sophomore earns MPOP '25 Culture Ambassador crown

Report and Photo by Mandie Asejo

Incoming Third-year Bachelor of Arts in Communication student Leanna Kaylee Manuel, was crowned Miss Pearl of the Orient (MPOP) Culture Ambassador 2025 during the National Coronation Night held last August 3 at Bulwagang Kanlahi, Tarlac City.

Representing Tarlac Province, Manuel stood out among 26 candidates from across the Philippines in the second edition of MPOP.

She shared that winning the Culture Ambassador title has opened the opportunity for her to compete internationally, where she will represent the Philippines on a global stage.

"Since I won Cultural Ambassador of the Miss Pearl of the Orient Philippines 2025, I will be competing in an international pageant. I'm hoping for the best considering the next time I will be wearing a sash, it will not only be for the province of Tarlac but the entire Philippines," she said.

In addition, Manuel expressed her passion for theater and her desire to explore creative opportunities aligned with her academic journey as a Communication Arts student.

"I'm in my third year of studying Communication Arts in Tarlac State University and I'm hoping that we get to do our theater activities. Fantasy ko kasi theater acting and writing," she noted.

She also emphasized her dedication to her role as a graphic artist, aiming to maintain strong academic performance while pursuing leadership opportunities in the creative field.

Manuel currently serves as the Head Graphic Artist of The Oracle, the official student publication of the College of Arts and Social Sciences (CASS).

Miss Pearl of the Orient Philippines was launched in 2024 and draws inspiration from the country’s historical title, “Pearl of the Orient,” and aims to celebrate the intelligence, advocacy, and cultural pride of Filipina women.