Japan-based Filipina pageant organizer wins own crown in Myanmar

Kimono designer and pageant organizer Myla Villagonzalo-Tsutaichi has collected another crown for herself after winning the Mrs. Face of the Universe title in Myanmar.

Crowned Mrs. Tourism Ambassador International in 2020, the Japan-based wife and mother transitioned to the other side of the fence and mounted her own national pageant.

But after several successful editions of the Mrs. Tourism Ambassador International Japan pageant, Tsutaichi found herself strapping on her heels anew for another quest for a global title for herself.

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She flew to Yangon to represent her adoptive country Japan at the Mrs. Face of the Universe, where she has proven that she still has what it takes to win after years of stepping away from the limelight to search for new women who will take on the stage.

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“My decision to compete came from an unexpected situation. My Mrs.  Face of the Universe Japan representative was unable to compete due to personal reasons,” Tsutaichi told Inquirer Entertainment.

“As the Mrs Face of the Universe Japan National Director, I believe that leadership is not only about giving opportunities to others—it is also about standing by your commitments and taking responsibility when the situation requires it,” she continued.

READ: PH queens score double victories in Bali, Bangkok pageants

There was limited time for her to transition back to being a pageant competitor, but her courage, faith, and determination fueled her journey, to honor her commitment to the international competition, and to not let Japan down.

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“Standing on that stage representing Japan and hearing my name announced as the Mrs. Face of the Universe 2026 Grand Winner was one of the most emotional and unforgettable moments of my life,” Tsutaichi said.

She said she credits her Filipino heritage and upbringing to her victory. “I carry with me the Filipino values of strong family ties, humility, resilience, faith, hard work, and perseverance. These values taught me to keep going even when things are difficult, to remain humble when I succeed, and to always be grateful for every opportunity,” she explained.

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And now that she has just been recently crowned, Tsutaichi said she will still continue to search for new queens. “When I won Mrs. Tourism Ambassador International 2020, I made a promise to God that I would use my crown and my platform to help make the dreams of other women come true–especially women who dream of becoming a beauty queen,” Tsutaichi said.

“And when I was blessed to win Mrs. Face of the Universe, I made another promise to God that I will continue this mission for as long as there are women who still dream of becoming a queen,” she continued. /edv