MEET THE DELEGATES
MISS PHILIPPINES NEW YORK™
2025 CANDIDATES

IRA DIOCSON
Brooklyn, NY
Meet Ira Diocson, a 25-year-old entrepreneur, content creator, dancer, and theatre performer proudly representing New York City in the Miss Philippines New York competition. With strong Kapampangan roots, she blends creativity and purpose, using her platform to advocate for mental health awareness and sociopreneurship.
Armed with a degree in Management and Entrepreneurship, Ira is passionate about building businesses that uplift local communities and inspiring the youth to dream big and make an impact.
Beyond business and advocacy, she’s an adventurer at heart—whether exploring new places, swinging her tennis racket, or hitting the pavement for a run. Fun fact: One moment, she’s pitching ideas; the next, she’s performing on stage or pushing her limits in sports. No matter the arena, she embraces growth, challenges, and making a difference.

JUMAY VALENZUELA
Niagara Falls, NY
Jumay is a 24-year-old proudly representing Niagara Falls as she competes for Miss Philippines New York. With a deep appreciation for her Filipino heritage, she is excited for the opportunity to showcase her culture, confidence, and passion.
Beyond the pageant, Jumay is a driven and ambitious individual who believes in the power of hard work and perseverance.
Competing for Miss Philippines New York is a meaningful journey for Jumay, as it allows her to celebrate her roots, connect with other strong and talented women, and serve as a role model for the next generation. She is honored to represent Niagara Falls and is ready to give her best on this incredible journey!

DAPHNE VENTIGAN
Rochester, NY
I am Daphne Ventigan, A 23 years old candidate of Miss Philippines New York and thrilled to represent the city of Rochester.
I am a freelancer who's passionate about sports and recreational activities. I believe that my unique blend of confidence, compassion and competitiveness make me a strong fit for this title.
I will use this given opportunity to raise awareness for childhood obesity and malnutrition, as well as to advocate the importance of healthy eating and nutritional education.
To end my introduction, an unusual fact about me is that I do not like eating bangus belly, which is unfilipino.
MRS. PHILIPPINES NEW YORK™
2025 CANDIDATES

MARIA VICTORIA GINTER
Rome, NY
Marvic Ginter, 40 years old, Born & raised in Cebu, Philippines, is married to a retired Army soldier and has five children. Representing the Filipino communities of Rome, Utica, and Syracuse, she works as a certified medical coder and holds a degree in Health Information Technology.
As a Military Wife, Marvic is also an active member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Auxiliary, that serves, volunteers and supports events that honor veterans & their families, providing services, scholarships and spreading patriotism.
Initially, Marvic didn't consider participating in the notable pageant until she learned its primary focus was on breast cancer awareness. This cause resonated deeply within her, as her mother died from stage 4 breast cancer in the Philippines.
Marvic was compelled to support this cause, partly to honor her mother's memory. She’s in contact with an organization in the Philippines that promotes breast cancer awareness and early detection. Marvic’s aim is to raise funds for underprivileged cancer patients in the Philippines. Marvic extends her gratitude to Mrs. Merle Snow and the pageant staff for the opportunity to be part of the prestigious event and wishes all contestants the best.

MAYRELL MUSHTARE
Rochester, NY
Mayrell Mushtare is a 33-year-old military spouse, entrepreneur, and devoted mother to Mikayla Mushtare, who is also competing in Little Miss Philippines New York. Proudly representing Rochester, NY, she understands the challenges of military life—constant relocations, career uncertainty, and the need for a strong support system.
During her time stationed at Fort Drum, NY, Mayrell saw firsthand how military families struggle with food insecurity. Determined to help, she collected food from Rochester, NY, and delivered it to a food pantry supporting military families, turning a small act of kindness into a mission.
Beyond advocacy, she is the owner of Mayrelle® LLC, a fashion accessories brand that blends creativity, craftsmanship, and community. She also volunteers with the YMCA Military Program Missouri, preparing toiletry kits for relocating military families, ensuring they have the essentials during a stressful transition.
As a founding member of the Philippine Dance Company of Rochester, Mayrell proudly promotes Filipino heritage through dance.
She believes being a military spouse means more than supporting from the sidelines—it’s about uplifting others and creating meaningful change. Through her advocacy, business, and cultural work, she hopes to inspire and empower others to make a difference.

JEMIMAH STAHL
Buffalo, NY
Jemimah Stahl, known as Jem, is a vibrant representative of Buffalo, New York. A multi-lingual trailblazer, empowered by her bachelor's degree in Hospitality Management, she honors her Filipino heritage through her impactful initiative and platform, the “JEMazing Legacy - Food Equity Program.” Her mission is profoundly committed to supporting communities in the Philippines struggling with the harsh reality of food insecurity. Jem’s collaborations with various organizations have enabled her to make a genuine difference, channeling their contributions into providing volunteer-packaged meals, establishing community kitchens, and developing school lunch programs, while also offering essential services for homeless individuals and stray animals. Jem is a caring daughter, supportive sister, loving dog momma, a devoted Army wife, and also the founder and CEO of her own flourishing cosmetic and wellness brand in the USA.
Participating in the Mrs. Philippines New York pageant is a significant opportunity for Jem, allowing her to amplify her voice and establish connections to create a meaningful impact in local communities and beyond. Jem wholeheartedly believes that by coming together and alleviating hunger by lending hands, we can create a world full of compassion and kindness and that by uniting together against poverty we can bring hope to those in need. Her unwavering commitment to service is evident in her decade-long dedication to various philanthropic activities to advocate for empathy and positive change. Above all, her life's mission is a sincere testimony to bringing the highest glory to God, embodying faith and love in everything she does.
LITTLE MISS PHILIPPINES NEW YORK™
2025 CANDIDATES

ANDREA AGOVINO
Lindenhurst, NY
Andrea Agovino is a 9-year-old from Long Island, New York. She lives with her loving parents and her super athletic brother.
Andrea is a very energetic girl who manages to balance school with after-school activities she enjoys, such as dance, gymnastics, and learning to play the piano and violin. She also loves baking with her mom, doing crafts together, and building Legos with her dad—one of her favorite things to do with him. At school, Andrea is proud to have earned the Star Student Award because she believes in spreading kindness wherever she goes. She is also a member of the Student Council and Girl Scouts. In her free time, she enjoys hanging out with her friends.
Andrea loves participating in pageants, including Little Miss East Coast USA and Miss Little American Dream Mall, where she has also received awards.
Growing up with a Filipino-American background has taught her the values of kindness and being well-rounded. She is excited to share her talents and spirit in this pageant!

TRISTEEN ABISH BERNARD
Rochester, NY
My name is Tristeen Abish Bernard. I am six years old representing Rochester, New York.
I am a Filipino American, I love, baking, crafting, and painting. I am homeschooled.
I enjoy going to the library and the trampoline park. I also enjoy attending my gymnastics class.

MIKAYLA MUSHTARE
Fort Drum, NY
Mikayla is a bright and friendly 5-year-old proudly representing Fort Drum, NY, as a military brat. With her family always moving, she has learned to adapt and embrace change with resilience. After spending a few years stationed in South Korea with her parents, she developed a love for diversity and a kind, open-minded spirit. She has made friends from all over the world, which has helped her appreciate and embrace different backgrounds.
She serves as a peer model in school and volunteers with the YMCA Military program. To support this pageant, she creates and sells handmade bracelets, available at Mayrelle.com. She also takes ballet classes and has received an award for her dedication and talent in dance.
As a member of the Philippine Dance Company of Rochester, she proudly showcases Filipino culture, including a performance at the Memorial Art Gallery.
Mikayla is excited to join Little Miss Philippines New York to celebrate her heritage, make new friends, and spread kindness!

CHANEL NORRIS
Macedon, NY
Chanel Harmony Norris, 6 years old, proudly represents Macedon, New York. With a big heart and a love for creativity, Chanel enjoys fashion and arts and crafts, always bringing her unique style to life! She is passionate about expressing herself through colors, patterns, and sparkles, making every outfit and project shine. Inspired by her Filipino roots, she dreams of spreading joy and confidence through her creativity.
Joining Little Miss Philippines New York is an exciting adventure for her, where she hopes to make new friends and share her love for fashion. Fun fact: Chanel can turn anything into a masterpiece with just a little glitter and imagination!