Miss World Ifugao Valerie Claire West Presents Miss and Mr. What’s Up New York Awards at Mr. and Miss Cordillera 2025
The cultural heartbeat of the Cordilleras echoed proudly during the Mr. and Miss Cordillera 2025 pageant, where two outstanding candidates were honored with the prestigious Miss and Mr. What’s Up New York Awards. This recognition, presented by the New York-based media and studio recording platform What’s Up New York, celebrates emerging cultural ambassadors who embody Cordilleran heritage while resonating with international audiences through media, creativity, and even studio music collaborations.
Cultural Ambassadors Honored
Representing Mountain Province, Brynne Cessary Bayang was crowned Miss What’s Up New York for her eloquence, cultural pride, and inspiring stage presence. Alongside her, John Henry Estacio of Ifugao received the title of Mr. What’s Up New York, celebrated for his charisma, leadership, and strong advocacy work.
Though not overall winners of the pageant, both stood out as powerful voices of representation—embodying the values What’s Up New York champions both on stage and in its studio recording sessions that highlight Filipino talent.
Valerie Claire West: From Studio Music to Cultural Empowerment
The awards were personally presented by Valerie Claire West, resident host of What’s Up New York and the reigning Miss World Philippines Ifugao 2025. Valerie, a biomedical engineer and certified EMT based in New York, has also been active in the city’s studio music scene—using creative platforms to amplify cultural advocacy.
Her presence at the Baguio Convention and Cultural Center added authenticity and global recognition to the coronation night. Through What’s Up New York, Valerie bridges studio recording projects with cultural storytelling, creating a link between Cordillera heritage and the vibrant creative energy of New York.
The Revival of Mr. and Miss Cordillera
The pageant, revived after a decade-long hiatus, featured 21 candidates from across the Cordillera region. For the first time, the What’s Up New York Awards highlighted individuals who not only excelled in performance but also showed potential to represent their heritage globally—whether through advocacy, stage presence, or even future studio recording opportunities in New York’s competitive studio music industry.
“These titles are more than recognition—they’re invitations to represent our heritage with pride, wherever we go,” Valerie shared during the awarding.
From the Highlands to Global Stages
For Brynne and John Henry, being named Miss and Mr. What’s Up New York marks the beginning of a broader journey—one that connects the highlands of the Philippines to the studios of New York City, blending tradition with modern studio recording and studio music culture.
Their recognition represents a bridge between heritage and global artistry, showing how cultural pride can find its voice not only on stage but also in the studio, where stories and songs travel beyond borders.