Nikki Buenafe Cheveh seeks back-to-back PH win at Face of Beauty International

November 25 ------ With the Face of Beauty International pageant days away, Philippine bet Nikki Buenafe Cheveh says she is entering the Taiwan competition with confidence, purpose, and a firm goal to deliver a back-to-back win for the country. The 27-year-old Filipina-Iranian from Binmaley, Pangasinan, aims to follow the victory of Jeanne Isabelle Bilasano, who won the international crown in 2024.

During a press conference in Quezon City, Cheveh said the pageant stands apart because of its commitment to meaningful advocacy work. “The girls really are required to have an advocacy, to have done something, and to be able to do even more with the help of Face & Beauty,” Cheveh proudly shared, adding that the organization established a hospital for children with disabilities in Taiwan.

Cheveh, who began joining pageants at 10, has anchored her platform on education and community welfare. Her work includes providing school supplies, partnering with the Red Cross, and funding a 42–pipe deep well for a village with no access to drinking water. “I saw a barangay (village) that doesn’t have potable water for drinking, sanitation, and cooking. That’s when I thought, ‘I’m here to support their education. But how can I support their education when they don’t even have the basic need, water, to live?” she said. “And after four months, we were able to provide clean water... I’m just so proud that I did that,” she continued.

Cheveh said this commitment fuels her drive to win. “What I can’t do is to not believe in myself. It would be an injustice to my team, to the people who believe in me, and to my experiences. I will give my best and pray to the Lord. I hope that I can bring the second back-to-back to the Philippines for the second pink crown.”

Asked why she should be chosen as this year’s winner, she replied, “I am a queen with a heart, dedication and persistence. When I stand on stage, I don’t just stand there as one, but as many people.” When asked for her message to supporters, she said, “I don’t know how many times I could say thank you to express how grateful I truly am. Whether it’s a critical comment that helps me improve or a positive one that lifts my spirits, they all contribute to the laban (fighting spirit) I need to bring to the international stage.” Cheveh headed to Taiwan on Nov. 20 ahead of the Dec. 2 finals of Face of Beauty International 2025, carrying with her the goal of bringing home another pink crown for the Philippines.

Source: manilatimes.net