Binibining Universe 1989 Sara Jane Paez Santiago passes away at 57
Binibining Universe 1989 Sara Jane Paez Santiago has passed away. She was 57.
Her family announced her passing on her Instagram page. She died on Jan. 13.
"It is with heavy hearts that Nicky, Sarina, and Alessio share the passing of Sara Jane. While we grieve deeply, we find comfort in trusting that she is now in God's loving care, at peace, and surrounded by light," they wrote.
"Thank you for keeping Sara and our family in your prayers."
A wake will be held for the beauty queen at Santuario de San Antonio Paris in Forbes Park, Makati.
Tributes from the beauty pageant world also began to pour in, as the Binibining Pilipinas Organization and Miss Universe Philippines mourned Santiago.
"Thank you for the light you shared and the pride you brought to Binibini. You will always be remembered. Rest in peace," BBP wrote.
MUPH, meanwhile, remembered how Santiagoalso represented the Philippines at the Miss Universe pageant in Cancun, Mexico. The international crown went to Angela Visser of Holland.
"She carried our country with grace and pride on the international stage, leaving a lasting mark in our pageant history," they said.
Moreover, the UP College of Arts and Letters, where Santiago was an alumna, recalled how the beauty queen balanced the BBP crown with the demanding life of a UP scholar.
"Her life was a masterclass in the art of the 'and.' She was a beauty queen and a stage actress; a top-tier fashion model and a socio-civic activist," it said.
"While residing at Kamia Residence Hall, she maintained a dual life that became part of her legend. By day, she was a dedicated student navigating Palma Hall and the Faculty Center; by night and on weekends, she was a premier ramp and print model. This discipline culminated in 1989 when, while still an undergraduate, she was crowned Binibining Pilipinas Universe."
It added that Santiago pursued her studies and graduated in 1991 with a BA in Speech and Drama.
One of her last TV appearances was on the Jan. 24, 2025 episode of Family Feud, where she competed with her husband Nicky.
