First Cordilleran to win Miss Trans Global Philippines title is from Benguet

Benguet, Philippines - Kyra Isabelle Antonio, from Benguet, was crowned Miss Trans Global Philippines 2025, becoming the first-ever Cordilleran to win said national title.

The pageantry, as relayed by National Director of Miss Trans Global Philippines Santy Asperin Layno in an interview, is a platform that celebrates the talent, beauty, and achievements of transgender individuals. 

Kyra, from La Trinidad, Benguet, won the title after joining the pageant for the second time. The coronation night was held on June 15  at the Baguio Convention Center.

In an interview with Guru Press Cordillera, Kyra shared her take on her historic win, saying that the crown is a tribute to every unseen ‘Transpinay’ and to her Ibaloi roots and her iTRAguyod advocacy. The crown, Kyra said, is a powerful symbol that the trans voices matter. 

“Winning this title is more than a personal achievement; it’s a victory for every Transpinay who has ever felt unseen. It represents my roots as an Igorota-Ibaloi, my advocacy through iTRAguyod, and the love that shaped me. This crown is proof that our stories matter, our voices belong, and our presence is powerful. I wear it not just for myself, but for every trans Filipina still finding her way,” said the queen. 

The iBenguet queen pledges to uplift rural Transpinays via iTRAguyod, a campaign she founded advocating for greater visibility, education, and safe spaces across the country.

Kyra behind the crown and the challenges that come with it 

Raised by her father after losing her mother at a young age, Kyra said she has been working as a digital nomad in real estate business. 

Behind the crown, she is a dedicated storyteller, policy advocate, and passionate about building safe spaces for trans individuals to thrive and be heard. 

On her way to achieving the crown, she said she is facing life’s challenges and judgments head-on, aiming to empower others.

 “One of the biggest challenges I faced as a trans woman was losing my mom at a young age. But in that loss, I found strength in my dad, who became both my mother and father. His love and acceptance gave me the courage to live my truth. Outside our home, I faced judgment and invisibility. People often saw my gender before they saw my worth. But I chose to rise above it not by hiding, but by showing up fully, proudly, and creating iTRAguyod to help others do the same,” Kyra added. 

When asked about her message to young transgenders, Kyra reminded them that they are valid and powerful with or without a crown.

 “To every young trans person watching my journey: You are valid. You are powerful. And you are never alone. There will be days the world may try to dim your light, but please remember, your identity is not a weakness—it’s your strength. Walk in your truth, even if your voice shakes. Find your people. Build your dreams. And never apologize for who you are. If I can stand here with this crown, so can you with or without one. Living your truth is already a powerful kind of advocacy,” she concluded.