Did you know? Jasmin Bungay, recently crowned Binibining Pilipinas Global 2024, was once an overseas Filipino worker (OFW) in Dubai, UAE.
As she now sets her sights on the Miss Globe 2024 crown, her former OFW community in Dubai couldn’t be prouder!
But what do we know about Jasmin Bungay?
Like many OFWs, Bungay has faced the challenges of pursuing her dreams abroad. Her OFW friends have shared precious moments with her, witnessing her journey from humble beginnings to becoming a beauty queen advocating for meaningful change.
Saving up for pageant competitions
Ryan Banks, one of Bungay’s best friends in Dubai, reminisced the first time he met Jasmin. “The first time I met Jasmin was during the screening of Miss Philippines Earth Dubai in 2021 where I was a judge. The first time I saw her, I already knew she was special. I even told the org that this girl has great potential,” he said.
He also shared how Bungay worked hard in a logistics company in Dubai while saving up money to fund her pageant plans in the Philippines. “We asked her to join pageants and modeling gigs while in Dubai to serve as training for her fight in the national pageants soon. Fast forward to today, all her sacrifices were worth it,” he shared.
Banks also shared congratulatory words for her: “This is just the beginning for you Jas, I am excited to see what is more in store for you.”
“You have made us proud even before winning Binibining Pilipinas. We are all here to support you in all your future endeavors,” he concluded.
Grace, wit, and class
Christian Medina, another OFW friend, shared about the times he had with Jasmin. “Our last collaboration was during the Man of the Philippines 2023 Grand Finale when we were tapped to host the competition. She’s truly an embodiment of grace, wit, and class,” he said.
“When she told me that she’ll take the big leap in joining Binibini, I had no doubt that she’d eventually wear one of its coveted crowns, and boy SHE DID!” he added.
Medina and Bungay first crossed paths at a Dubai-based competition for a perfume brand, where Medina served as the host and Bungay emerged as the grand winner. “From that moment on, I knew she would make it big in the pageant world,” Medina remarked.
When asked if he had any message for her win, Medina said: “I have no words but mere excitement for what’s ahead for Jas. Congratulations!”
Home is where she fulfills her dream
Mau Piodena, a make-up artist in Dubai, shared that Bungay had to go back home to aim for the stars and fulfill her dreams, but she had to start her journey in Dubai.
“Ever since we started at Miss Earth Dubai 2021, I knew she would be a beauty queen someday,” Piodena said. “It was her persistence in becoming one that made her decide to go home and fulfill her dream.”
Piodena also reminisced the times when he worked with Bungay as her make-up artist right before she left for Binibining Pilipinas.
“Our hearts have been full in seeing you crowned. I could not be more proud of you! Congratulations!” Piodena said.
‘She ticks all the boxes’
Fashion designer Harvey Cenit, who created the gown of Bungay, said he saw the potential in the Pampanga beauty the first time they met.
“She’s sweet, smart, good personality, stunning figure and a pretty face. She ticks all the boxes,” Cenit said.
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The fashion designer also thanked Bungay for trusting him and allowing him to be part of her journey in winning the crown.
“I think, her winning the crown means so much to us OFW, I mean she basically left Dubai to pursue her dream of becoming a beauty queen, and it sure did pay off!” he said.
Stars aligned for the Miss Globe 2024
Erika Collantes-Villegas, Bungays’s best friend and co-model, recalled how they started their sisterhood from being together during the Miss Philippines Earth-Dubai auditions to creating memories even outside the competition.
“I knew from the get-go that Jasmin would win the crown — her burning love and dedication towards her passion is what makes her even more deserving,” Villegas said.
Villegas also said she could not hold back her tears of joy after the crowning moment.
“She once told me ‘di pa namin time,’ and now the stars impeccably aligned with her. I am proud to see her wear the crown that always belonged to her!” Villegas said.
A well-deserved win
Jhajha Rivera, a make-up artist in Dubai and among Bungay’s glam team, said he saw Bungay’s potential after joining the Miss Earth Dubai, despite not making it to the semi-finals.
“Your dedication, determination, grace, and talent have truly shone through, and this well-deserved win is a testament of your hard work and perseverance,” Rivera said.
Rivera also became hands-on with finding the right makeup look for the beauty queen during her Binibining Pilipinas journey.
“Those sleepless nights we had shared giving you some makeup advices for your looks in some of your activities in the pageant had paid off. May this victory open new doors and bring you even greater success in the future to bring home again the crown to the Philippines as the next Ms. Globe 2024,” Rivera said.
As Jasmin Bungay prepares to compete for the Miss Globe 2024 crown, her legacy as an OFW in Dubai remains ever-present. Her OFW friends in Dubai, reminded of her sacrifices and tremendous achievements, continue to support her from afar, watching her soar and fly with pride.
