iKalinga hairdresser Jers Sabado takes spotlight in Miss Q & A: Reyna Talak-Era 2026

FEATURE

Tabuk City, Kalinga – Every hairstyle she creates begins with confidence. Every pageant she directs is built on poise and preparation. But on national television, Jerzon "Jers" Sabado discovered that the greatest crown she could wear was simply being herself.

The iKalinga salon owner, hairdresser, and pageant director recently brought pride to Kalinga after emerging as a Miss Q & A Daily Winner and advancing to the Weekly Finals of It's Showtime's Miss Q & A: Reyna Talak-Era 2026.

Although her journey ended at the weekly finals, her performance left a lasting impression—not only on the judges but also on thousands of viewers who saw in her an embodiment of confidence, intelligence, and authenticity.

For many iKalingas, Jers' appearance was more than a pageant stint. It was a reminder that talent from the Cordillera can stand shoulder to shoulder with the country's best.

Breaking barriers with authenticity

In a province deeply rooted in culture and tradition, where members of the LGBTQIA+ community continue to navigate challenges in expressing themselves openly, Jers has become a symbol of courage and self-acceptance.

Rather than allowing stereotypes to define her, she has spent years proving that passion, hard work, and confidence matter more than labels.

Her journey reflects a growing generation of LGBTQIA+ Filipinos who continue to create spaces where authenticity is celebrated instead of hidden.

A comeback worth taking

Jers first appeared on Miss Q & A: Reyna Talak-Era 2026 during the July 2 episode, revealing that she had stepped away from pageantry two years earlier to focus on growing her business.

While she temporarily left the pageant stage behind, she never abandoned her love for competition.

That passion eventually led her back—this time before a nationwide audience.

The revived Miss Q & A, which returned on June 15 after a four-year hiatus, places less emphasis on gowns and physical appearance and more on wit, public speaking, confidence, humor, and advocacy.

Its "Talak-Era" theme, inspired by Vice Ganda's hit song Talak, celebrates contestants who can speak their minds with intelligence, authenticity, and conviction.

The answer that won hearts

The defining moment of Jers' journey came during the show's signature question-and-answer portion.

She was asked an intentionally absurd question: if given the chance to become Rapunzel, would she agree if the hair grew long on her nose instead of her head?

Without hesitation, she transformed the humorous scenario into a message about self-worth.

"I believe, opo. Okay lang—pumapayag po akong maging si Rapunzel maski ang buhok sa ilong ang mahaba. I am that kind of person who is very maximalist in all the things that I do in my life. At maski kapintasan po ang pagkakaroon ng mahabang buhok sa ilong, hindi ko po ito ikakahiya, bagkus I will make the most out of it. Kasi at the end of the day, hindi po ang pangkukutya o ang joke, o ang panghuhusga ng lipunan ang basehan ng ating buhay. Bagkus how we live our lives to the fullest and 'til the best way possible."

The response earned applause from the judges and secured her the title of Miss Q & A Daily Winner, advancing her to the Third Weekly Finals alongside fellow contestants Raux Araneta and Agua Gonzales.

Though she did not move on to the grand finals, her performance resonated with audiences who praised her eloquence, humor, and calm confidence under pressure.

A hairdresser and a pageant queen

Away from the bright lights of television, Jers has quietly built a name for herself in Kalinga.

For the past decade, she has owned and managed Glam Garden Salon, where she remains a hands-on hairdresser despite being the business owner.

Beyond hairstyling, she has become one of the province's sought-after pageant and events directors.

Earlier this year, she served as event director of the successful Bodong Laga Show, one of the highlights of the 2026 Bodong Festival.

According to her profile shown on Miss Q & A, Jers studied Development Communication in college and once served as editor-in-chief of her high school publication—experiences that helped shape the communication skills and confidence that audiences witnessed on national television.

Long before directing beauty queens, she was also one herself, actively competing in pageants before choosing to prioritize her growing salon business.

A message that resonated beyond the stage

After the competition, Jers took to Facebook to express gratitude to everyone who stood behind her throughout her journey.

"Still in cloud nine moment for this dream come true! Nadama ko ang inyong pagmamahal… Maraming salamat po sa napaka-init na suporta… It has been a tough fight, but above all it was a wonderful core memory. Agyamanak kenyayu amin, muli hindi ko kayo marereplyan isa-isa but know that I am beyond grateful."

Her message was met with an outpouring of congratulations from fellow iKalingas, friends, former clients, and pageant enthusiasts who celebrated her achievement.

A victory bigger than a title

Jers may not have advanced to the grand finals, but many believe her biggest victory happened long before the competition ended.

She showed that intelligence can outshine glamour, that authenticity can silence judgment, and that confidence can carry someone from a small salon in Kalinga to one of the country's biggest noontime television programs.

In doing so, she represented more than herself.

She represented a province rich in talent, resilience, and creativity, proving that iKalingas have stories worth telling and voices worthy of being heard on the national stage.

For aspiring beauty queens, young entrepreneurs, and members of the LGBTQIA+ community, Jers' journey offers a simple but powerful lesson: the courage to be yourself can open doors no title alone ever could.