Becoming Bea: The Many Layers of a Modern Filipina

When Bea Millan-Windorski stepped into the set of MEGA’s August cover shoot, she radiated a quiet yet grounded presence. She hit her mark at every layout like any professional would, but she did not impress as performative, rehearsed, or overly choreographed. Instead, she moved with intention, spoke with clarity, and brought a refreshing layer of verity to every conversation.

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This year’s Miss Universe Philippines shares: “The one thing I’ve learned about myself (in this journey) is not to put up any fronts about who I am. For a really long time–and I think this is something a lot of pageant women go through–you tend to feel like you have to present a perfect pageant version of who you are. But audiences now value authenticity…I think that’s something that everyone can take into their everyday lives, too. Instead of performing for what you think other people want, find your tribe and the people who you are comfortable with.”

An Activist First

Windorski was a scholar of the University of Wisconsin-Madison who graduated with a double degree in History and International Relations. From the outset, her academic choices paved a path towards law, diplomacy, public service, and social impact. Her deep sense of purpose was ingrained by parents who constantly espoused social responsibility and activism.

“The first civic action I did was when I was seven or eight. We attended a town hall for public teachers on strike. My parents really instilled civic consciousness in me and never discouraged me from being involved in movements like Stop Asian Hate or Black Lives Matter.”

Outside of school and pageants, Windorski dedicated herself to a Filipino-American initiative called IMPACT!, which was formed in partnership with the Philippine Embassy in Washington DC. “Through that program, we were partnered with Filipino mentors who worked in public policy. That was the first time I really felt like I had a big sister who could guide me through what it meant to grow up in both worlds.”

Layers of Identity

Windorski’s identity as an immigrant and Filipino-American also informs how she shows up on the biggest stages.

“For the longest time, I thought I didn’t have a natural talent for pageants, especially when I was competing as a teen in a predominantly white area of the US. There was such a small Filipino community where I was growing. I never felt like I was the beauty standard, and that’s part of what really shaped my journey. When I look at previous queens like Pia Wurtzbach and Catriona Gray, I feel like their victories allowed the world to finally see the Philippines for what it is.”

From the time her Miss Universe campaign commenced, Windorski has been gradually peeling the many layers and nuances of Philippine identity. “Our identity is so complex because we’re an archipelago with far-flung communities. Especially now, I feel like there’s been conversations about Imperial Manila versus the further parts of the country. I don’t want to represent just one Filipino voice. I want to represent more of the mosaic of who we are.”

Windorski notes how pageants have become conduits for redefining beauty standards. She regards Chelsea Manalo as a turning point or “watershed moment,” especially for morena beauties in the Philippine pageant scene.

“Especially with the Miss Universe organization, eligibility requirements have also opened up for older women, wives, and mothers. Beauty shifts so much all across the world. It’s the values and your core that define who you are; and not what’s on the surface that will fade in a few decades anyway.”

Beyond the Crown

Regardless of the result in November, Windorski’s gaze is fixed on the responsibility that comes with wearing the crown.

“I was actually reading up on some of the other queens who have won the Miss Universe crown from the Philippines. Margie Moran who talked about how the crown is a responsibility really stuck with me. With the title, you have the benefit that everyone you reach out to is willing to work with you, or at least willing to listen.”

But even before the crown was laid on her head, Windorski had been involved in initiatives that endeavor to address climate change and marine conservation. She has worked closely with Project CURMA (Coastal Underwater Resource Management Actions) in La Union and has also reconnected with projects that champion the livelihoods of Aeta communities in Pampanga.

“Another issue that I’m very passionate about is the passage of the SOGIE bill, making sure especially that our trans brothers and sisters have access to equitable health care, have the right to work and live wherever they want without discrimination.”

She is certain that public service is a domain where she can best use her gifts, experience, and platform. Bea Millan-Windorski concludes: “Being Miss Universe Philippines, you get to talk to many people across the country. It’s really a crash course on what it is to be a public servant. I’m excited to bring all these lessons and experiences into my career beyond the crown.”

Photographed by JOSH TOLENTINO. Creative Direction by PATRICK TY. Art direction by CLARE MAGNO and BRIE VENTURA. Sittings editor PEEWEE ISIDRO, TREISHA ROVERO, and SEAN CASTELO III. Beauty Direction by AGOO AZCUNA-BENGZON Assisted by MARA GO. Produced by THESSMAR LECTURA. Fashion Assistant KRISSIE TERUEL. Hair by JONAS LUCAS. Makeup by JAJA PANGILINAN. Styled by SHARK TANAEL Assisted by CLAIRE FERNANDO and NINA CUYANA of QURATOR INC. Nails by JEWEL DESCELLAR of PASSIONAILS NAIL SALON & SPA. Photography Assistant TATE BERSALES. Special thanks to MISS UNIVERSE PHILIPPINES ORGANIZATION and MERCATOR/EMPIRE PH TALENT AGENCY. Shot on location at SCHILD STUDIOS.