Chelsea Fernandez to greet Pinoy fans in a homecoming parade on Jan. 26
Chelsea Fernandez, the first runner-up of Miss Cosmo 2025, will have a homecoming parade on Monday, Jan. 26.
In an announcement by Miss Cosmo International, the homecoming journey will take place across Manila and Fernandez's beloved hometown in Sultan Kudarat.
"From courtesy calls with local leaders to grand homecoming parades, charity and hospital visits for children, provincial tours, and media engagements—each moment is a heartfelt celebration of her journey, her roots, and her dedication to giving back to the community," the organization wrote.
"This homecoming is more than a return. It is a moment for the Filipino people to come together and celebrate a daughter of the nation—reflection of unity, resilience, and the pride that Chelsea Fernandez has carried with her onto the world stage," they added.
After departing from the Tan Son Nhat International Airport in Vietnam, Fernandez will arrive at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 1 on Jan. 26 at 1:30 p.m.
Here, she will be warmly welcomed with an airport salubong alongside members of the media. Details of the parade route have yet to be disclosed.
Fans in Vietnam who wish to come and send Fernandez off are invited to come to the Tan Son Nhat International Airport at 6:00 a.m.
Fernandez finished her Miss Cosmo 2025 journey as first runner-up, with Yolina Lindquist of the United States winning the coveted title during the coronation night held on Dec. 20, 2025.
Completing the top five are Gabriela Borges from Brazil, Myint Myat Moe from Myanmar, and Italy Mora from Panama.
During the question and answer portion, Fernandez was asked what mindset she would change about women that still limits progress today.
"It would be [that] women are not leaders. That is not true. We women, we have that innate value of leadership. However, sometimes we are not given opportunities and spaces and chances," she answered.
She continued, "And as Miss Cosmo, who ignites change, I would like to empower every woman to immerse yourselves in activities that could enrich your skills and in order for us to move forward. Because we women can stand on our own, and women could also have it all."
During her final head-to-head with Lindquist, Fernandez had the opportunity to talk about her advocacy to plant mangrove trees in order to address extreme flooding.
"The Philippines is home to more than 7,000 beautiful islands. However, with that beauty comes an ugly truth: we faced extreme flooding, harsh calamities, and natural disasters. That is why my advocacy, Paradise of the Mangroves Reforestation Project, aims to address both natural problems and economic problems," she explained.
"We are planning to plant 5,000 propagules in one hectare, and that would be set in the Municipality of Lebak, Province of Sultan Kudarat, Philippines. And I believe in my project, and with this, I believe that the economic growth will definitely go up to 20% to 30% in just one year. And I hope you continue to support me in this mission because I believe the little seeds that we plant today will grow into a forest of change tomorrow," she added.
Apart from the first runner-up title, Fernandez also bagged the Best in Evening Gown and People's Choice award during the finals.
The beauty queen previously raised the Philippine flag at the Miss Globe 2022 pageant held in Albania. She also placed as a runner-up in Miss Philippines Earth 2019 as Miss Philippines Water.
