Ilocos norte: Twenty-four-year-old Ilocana beauty queen Charieze Lianne Cacayorin is embracing her rich cultural heritage in Ilocos Norte as she prepares for the 2026 Miss Universe Philippines in May this year. As a first-generation immigrant, Cacayorin is back in her home province with a bigger mission to represent the Filipino community in Hawaii and in Ilocos Norte, where she came from.

According to Philippines News Agency, Cacayorin expressed that her journey is more than a crown, focusing on inspiring others, promoting cultural pride, and giving back to her community. In a recent media interview, she emphasized the importance of her mission, stating that the opportunity is about showcasing her identity and giving a voice to the community she represents.

Cacayorin, who is also a University of Hawaii lecturer on Filipino culture and language, is actively connecting with local government units and communities to highlight the Ilocano spirit she proudly embodies. Despite not envisioning herself as a beauty queen due to her color and height when younger, she realized the potential to embrace this unique opportunity.

She believes that earning the title of Miss Universe Philippines requires heart and purpose, asserting that being beautiful or kind is not enough without genuine passion and authenticity. During her stay in Ilocos Norte, she and her mother, Michelle, have been engaging with school kids and local officials.

Their recent visit to Nangguyodan Elementary School in Paoay, Ilocos Norte, included sponsoring a feeding program and distributing school supplies to at least 70 pupils. Cacayorin expressed her affection for the province, enjoying the simplicity of life, family connections, and the local cuisine, as her visit marked a heartfelt return to the Philippines.