KATHLEEN CLEO ROJAS

Kathleen Cleo Rojas, 24, proudly traces her roots to the Queen City of the South—Cebu, Philippines. Now calling the peaceful town of Søgne in Kristiansand, Norway, her home, Kathleen is a young woman who carries with her the vibrant spirit of her homeland and the quiet strength shaped by life abroad.

A college student at the University of Agder (UiA), she is currently pursuing a degree in Marketing and Management. Beyond the classroom, she wears many hats—working weekdays delivering flowers and spending weekends at a restaurant in Farsund. Though the balancing act between school and work can be demanding, Kathleen embraces it with determination, discipline, and grace.

Her passions are as dynamic as her journey. From gaming and exploring new cuisines to deep conversations and discovering new places, she finds joy in meaningful experiences and human connection. Her curious nature fuels her desire to learn—not just about the world, but about herself.

Kathleen’s journey to Norway began right after senior high school, when she and her sister were reunited with their mother and new family. The transition brought its challenges, but also incredible growth. It taught her resilience, adaptability, and the value of staying true to her roots.

What she misses most about the Philippines is the deep comfort of home—the laughter, the warmth of family and friends, and the familiarity of being surrounded by love. That sense of belonging remains her source of strength and inspiration.

With a heart rooted in heritage and eyes fixed on the future, Kathleen Cleo Rojas stands as a woman of courage and conviction. She lives by the belief that "trying is the best way to succeed"—a reminder that every step forward, no matter how small, is part of a greater journey toward purpose and possibility.

ALICIA BETH ERIKSEN

Alicia Beth Eriksen, 19, is a proud blend of Filipino warmth and Norwegian strength. With a heart rooted in service, she began working in healthcare at the age of 17, gaining valuable experience in nursing homes and housing guidance. These early steps into caregiving helped her develop a deep sense of empathy, responsibility, and commitment to the well-being of others.

Having witnessed the realities of poverty in the Philippines firsthand, Alicia carries with her a powerful dream — to help reduce poverty, particularly among children. She aspires to create a world where every child has access to life’s basic essentials: nutritious food, clean water, and the opportunity to grow in safety and dignity.

Equally passionate about global connection, Alicia dreams of exploring the world, immersing herself in different cultures, and celebrating the beauty of diversity. She believes that understanding one another is the key to building a kinder, more compassionate world — one where no voice is unheard and no dream is out of reach.

With grace, purpose, and a heart full of hope, Alicia stands as a voice for those who need one and a reminder that true beauty begins with compassion.

ANNA DRYHKA JOHANSEN

Anna is a proud Filipina-Norwegian whose roots reflect the beauty of two cultures united by strength, grace, and resilience. Born in Cebu, Philippines — a place close to her heart — Anna was crowned her first title as Lady Queen in Calape, Daanbantayan, Cebu in 2016, marking the beginning of her journey into pageantry and self-expression.

As the eldest among five siblings, Anna has always embraced the role of being a role model — nurturing, responsible, and driven. Growing up in a close-knit family taught her the value of love, leadership, and hard work. She cherishes quality time at the beach with friends and, most especially, with her family. For her, the ocean is more than a destination — it is a place of peace, connection, and joy.

An adventurer at heart, Anna finds empowerment through exploration. Whether she’s riding her motorcycle down scenic roads or stepping out of her comfort zone, she thrives in experiences that challenge her and help her grow. Her journey is guided by courage — a courage that led her to balance both work and study while pursuing a better future.

Currently working in a restaurant while studying, Anna embodies the modern definition of strength: not just physical, but emotional and mental resilience. She firmly believes that being strong does not require masculinity — it means showing up, staying kind, and standing tall in the face of life’s challenges.

With her heart rooted in her heritage and her spirit lit by ambition, Anna walks forward as a woman of grace, determination, and purpose — ready to inspire others by simply staying true to who she is.

ANNA ROSE LAURITZEN

Originally from the Philippines, Anna Rose Lauritzen is a woman whose journey reflects extraordinary strength, unwavering grace, and deep resilience. In 2015, she made the courageous decision to move to Norway in search of a better future—leaving behind her homeland, her family, and most heartbreakingly, her young son.
“Leaving him was the hardest thing I’ve ever done,” she shares. “But I knew I had to be strong—for him.”

Inspired by her late adoptive father, Scott Lauritzen, Anna chose to start anew in Horten, where she embraced the challenge of building a life from the ground up. She learned a new language, enrolled in culinary school, and worked tirelessly until she earned her fagbrev as a certified chef. Her goal was clear: to one day reunite with her son and give him the life he deserved.

For eight long years, Anna persevered—juggling multiple jobs, facing countless obstacles, and holding onto hope through every sleepless night and silent tear. Her determination paid off when she was finally able to bring her son to Norway.
“Every struggle, every sacrifice—it was all worth it,” she says with a full heart.

Today, Anna manages the canteen at Lilaas AS and cherishes every moment with her son, rebuilding their bond one day at a time. Whether she's dancing, staying active, or simply enjoying a quiet afternoon together, she embraces life with gratitude and joy.

“Being a single mother is never easy—especially in a foreign land. But I stayed strong—not for myself, but for him. That is what being a mother truly means.”

Anna's story is not just about sacrifice—it's about the power of love, the strength of a mother’s will, and the unshakable belief that distance means nothing when your heart never lets go.

JOE ANN GURON

Joe Ann was born in the serene province of Nueva Vizcaya in the Philippines. At just seven years old, her life took a new direction when she moved to Norway—an experience that marked both the end of one chapter and the beginning of another.

Adjusting to a new culture and environment wasn’t always easy. The warmth of her homeland, the traditions she grew up with, and the closeness of family remained vivid in her heart. Yet, over time, Norway became a place of transformation—a new home where she grew stronger, more resilient, and rooted in dual identities.

At 16, Joe Ann made the bold decision to live independently. While many her age were still discovering who they wanted to be, she was already learning what it meant to survive on her own—navigating life’s challenges with quiet strength and a determination that defined her character. It was a journey of early maturity, teaching her to rely on herself, dream boldly, and never lose faith in her own path.

Today, Joe Ann is a working student, pursuing her dream of becoming a Cardiology Nurse. Her calling lies in caring for others—a passion that gives her daily purpose and deep fulfillment. Her commitment to healthcare reflects a spirit of compassion and an unwavering desire to make a difference.

In 2023, she stepped onto the national stage as a Miss Norway finalist, proudly representing her heritage and earning the People’s Choice Award (Folkets Favoritt). That recognition was more than a title—it was a moment of triumph, a celebration of identity, and a reflection of the countless young women who walk between worlds, chasing their dreams.

Joe Ann Guron—born in the Philippines, raised in Norway, and standing tall as a proud finalist, a dreamer, and a voice for hope and perseverance.

CRISHIA MAE GOMONID

Crishia, 23, proudly hails from the beautiful province of Misamis Occidental in the Philippines. Now residing in Norway for the past eight years, she moved together with her family in pursuit of new opportunities and a brighter future.

A certified chef by profession, Crishia completed her culinary studies in Norway and has since been working as a chef at Clarion Hotel The Hub for the past three years. Her passion for food goes beyond the kitchen—it is her way of connecting with others, sharing culture, and expressing creativity.

In 2024, she proudly claimed 1st place as the Sinulog Soiree Princess, a celebration that brought her closer to her heritage and strengthened her pride as a Filipina.

Crishia’s talents are as diverse as they are impressive. From cooking, singing, and dancing, to painting, cross-stitching, and playing volleyball—she embraces life with energy, creativity, and joy.

When asked what she misses most about the Philippines, she smiles and says, “Aside from my family, it’s the food, the comfort, and the unique happiness that only the Philippines can give.”

Described as a hardworking and determined individual, Crishia is never afraid to take on new challenges. With her strong sense of purpose and vibrant spirit, she stands as a true example of resilience, grace, and cultural pride.

CHRISTEL KYLIE STANGELAND

From the vibrant heart of the Philippines to the bright lights of the stage, Christel Kylie is a performer whose journey has been guided by rhythm, heart, and purpose. As a former member of Ppop Generation, one of the Philippines' rising girl groups, she discovered not only the exhilaration of performing but the deeper power of connection through music and movement.

For Christel, dance is a language of emotion, and singing is the voice of the soul. Every performance was more than a show—it was a way to tell stories, evoke feelings, and bring people together. Her time on stage shaped her confidence, discipline, and joy, forming the foundation of who she is today.

Beyond entertainment, Christel is equally devoted to personal growth. She has embraced education and work with the same dedication she brought to performing, knowing that true success lies in evolving with every chapter. She thrives on passion projects, creative collaboration, and surrounding herself with inspiring people who challenge her to think bigger and shine brighter.

Poised, driven, and endlessly expressive, Christel Kylie stands as a proud Filipina artist—ready to take on any stage life presents, and to turn every step into a statement of grace, power, and authenticity.

VYA VANNESA APOLINARIO

Vya, 23, proudly represents not just herself, but the vibrant stories, flavors, and colors of her Filipino heritage. As the second of three sisters, she was raised in a home filled with creativity, compassion, and quiet courage — values passed down by the strong women who shaped her. These qualities continue to guide her as she forges her own path with purpose and pride.

Her journey began with a love for the arts. Through drawing and painting, she discovered the power of self-expression and the beauty of seeing the world through different lenses. Today, that same artistic spirit lives on in a different but equally passionate form — in the kitchen. Now pursuing a culinary education, Vya treats food as her canvas, using traditional Filipino ingredients to tell stories of identity, culture, and love. Her goal is to introduce the richness of Filipino cuisine to a global audience, especially in Scandinavia, where these flavors are still waiting to be celebrated.

Outside the kitchen, Vya finds joy and creativity in digital spaces, often immersing herself in video games. For her, gaming is more than entertainment — it’s a reminder that life should always leave room for imagination, play, and the unexpected joys of exploration.

Though still evolving and growing, Vya walks her journey with intention. Every dish she creates, every challenge she embraces, and every story she shares is a reflection of her identity — a proud Filipina, a creative soul, and a woman with a mission to honor her roots while inspiring others to do the same.