Cyrille Payumo Steals The Spotlight At Miss Charm 2025 With A Remarkable Best In National Costume Victory, Showcasing The Philippines’ Unrivaled Pageant Excellence In Vietnam

Published on December 13, 2025

Cyrille Payumo stole the spotlight at Miss Charm 2025 with a remarkable Best in National Costume victory, showcasing the Philippines’ unrivaled pageant excellence in Vietnam. Her stunning costume, which paid homage to the country’s rich cultural heritage, captivated the judges and audience alike. This achievement further solidified the Philippines’ reputation as a powerhouse in global beauty pageants, demonstrating the nation’s consistent ability to shine on the international stage.

Cyrille Payumo of the Philippines made her mark at the 2025 Miss Charm pageant in Vietnam, securing the prestigious Best in National Costume award. The coronation event, held at the BHD Studio in Ho Chi Minh City on Friday, December 12, also saw Payumo land a spot in the Top 20. Though she didn’t make it into the coveted Top 12, her achievement in the national costume competition garnered significant recognition from both judges and fans alike.

Payumo’s national costume was a standout piece designed by Simeon Cayetano, a creation inspired by the “salakot,” a traditional Filipino hat known for its significance in Filipino culture. The salakot is a symbol of Filipino pride and history, representing the nation’s rich agricultural roots and the hardworking spirit of its people. Payumo’s interpretation of this iconic accessory not only showcased the intricate craftsmanship of Filipino design but also highlighted her deep connection to her heritage. This thoughtful and culturally significant outfit won her praise during the competition’s national costume round, even though she didn’t advance to the next stage of the pageant.

Despite her strong performance in the national costume competition, Payumo’s journey through the Miss Charm pageant was marred by a continuing trend some Filipino pageant fans refer to as the “Vietnam curse.” This superstition suggests that Filipino contestants often face challenges in pageants held in Vietnam. Payumo’s performance did not break this pattern, as she failed to reach the Top 12, despite the expectations surrounding her. This marks another setback for the Philippines in the highly competitive Miss Charm pageant, continuing the perception that Vietnamese pageants are particularly difficult for Filipino contestants.

Cyrille Payumo, however, is no stranger to the international pageant scene. In 2019, she was crowned Miss Tourism International in Malaysia, becoming the fifth Filipino to hold this prestigious title. Remarkably, Payumo claimed the crown despite only having a few weeks to prepare for the competition, a testament to her resilience and determination. Her victory at Miss Tourism International demonstrated her ability to shine on the international stage, even under challenging circumstances. This victory added to her growing reputation as a seasoned and capable pageant queen.

For the 2025 Miss Charm competition, Payumo had to wait over a year for her chance to compete on the global stage. Her appointment as the Philippines’ representative came at the conclusion of the 2024 Miss Universe Philippines pageant in May of that year. This lengthy wait meant that Payumo’s participation in Miss Charm was highly anticipated, as she had used her time to hone her skills and prepare for the competition. She took this opportunity to train and refine her pageant persona, focusing on all aspects of the competition, from walking and speaking to the styling and presentation of her national costume.

At the recently concluded pageant in Vietnam, the crown was passed to a new winner, marking a significant achievement for the new titleholder. Meanwhile, another contestant secured the first runner-up position. While Payumo did not take home the crown, her achievements, especially in the national costume competition, have been widely praised, reflecting her dedication and passion for representing her country.

In addition to the Miss Charm pageant, Vietnam is also hosting the second edition of the Miss Cosmo competition. Representing the Philippines in this competition is another experienced pageant queen, Chelsea Fernandez. Known for her past successes, Fernandez brings a wealth of experience and talent to the competition. The coronation event for Miss Cosmo is set to take place later this month in Ho Chi Minh City, adding more excitement to the ongoing pageant season in Vietnam.

While Payumo may not have secured the ultimate title at the 2025 Miss Charm pageant, her achievements throughout the competition are a testament to her hard work, resilience, and passion for her country. The Best in National Costume award is a significant recognition, as it celebrates not only her physical beauty but also her deep connection to her Filipino roots. The salakot-inspired costume was a powerful representation of the Philippines’ rich cultural heritage, which Payumo carried with pride throughout her journey.

As for the Miss Cosmo competition, with experienced queens like Chelsea Fernandez representing the Philippines, there is still hope for the country to claim another title this year. Fernandez’s participation in the competition is a reminder of the ongoing presence and strength of Filipino pageant queens on the global stage.

Looking ahead, Payumo’s experience in the 2025 Miss Charm pageant has undoubtedly added to her growth as a pageant queen. Despite the disappointment of not advancing to the Top 12, Payumo remains a strong and inspirational figure for aspiring pageant contestants. Her journey serves as a reminder that success in pageantry is not always defined by winning but by the impact one leaves on others through their performance, dedication, and connection to their culture.

Cyrille Payumo captured the Best in National Costume title at Miss Charm 2025, showcasing the Philippines’ unmatched pageant excellence and cultural pride in Vietnam. Her victory further solidified the country’s strong presence in global beauty competitions.

As pageant seasons continue, the Philippines will undoubtedly have many more talented contestants competing in international competitions. Whether or not they win, they will continue to make their mark on the pageant world, just as Cyrille Payumo did in Vietnam. Payumo’s experience at the 2025 Miss Charm pageant is a reminder that every competition is an opportunity to grow, learn, and represent one’s country with pride and honor.