The Making of a Queen: Kat Llegado’s Supranational Journey

The Philippines is known as the home country of many talented and stunning Filipinas. As a result, we have an established identity as slayers in the local and international pageant scenes. From Gemma Cruz-Araneta, Gloria Diaz, Margarita Moran, Melanie Marquez, Precious Lara Quigaman, Megan Young, Mutya Datul, Kylie Verzosa, Pia Wurtzbach, Karen Ibasco, and Catriona Gray, we have been the bearers of these incredible crowns, and we hope there will be more to bring home to our country.

From being Mutya ng Taguig to Miss Supranational Philippines, Katrina Llegado earned her spot at the top through her efforts, discipline, and perseverance.

Her journey toward the biggest crown of her life is just around the corner, and she is more ready and fiercer than ever to grace the center stage in Poland.

THE JOURNEY OF A REYNA

“I’ve been in pageantry since 2019, and I’ve been training for years now.”

For Kat Llegado, being a young dreamer in the pageantry scene was not easy, but she believes that all her experiences have shaped her into a much more competitive queen. She stated that representing the Philippines is her greatest honor, but it comes with an equally heavy responsibility. However, with confidence, Kat said that she is ready to bear that responsibility as Miss Supranational Philippines.

“I really feel na I’ve grown as a person, and I’m much more ready to be given this opportunity to represent the Philippines once again. Over the years, it's really fulfilling to see the transformation and the growth that pageantry has led me to this moment of representing the Philippines.”

Heading to Poland while carrying the title of Miss Supranational Philippines, the weight and pressure must be heavy, as an entire country will be waiting for Kat Llegado to come home with the Miss Supranational crown on her head. However, she stated that she had enough time to prepare for this big moment and confidently said that she has been giving it her all throughout her training.

“For Miss Supranational, we’ve been sending a lot of quality, high-caliber Filipinas. Miss Supranational is known for such a prestigious pageant in Europe. Coming into the competition, as I was crowned last year, napakahaba ng preparation ko, and now I’m more ready since I’ve been training holistically with all aspects of pageantry.”

While training with her team, Kat also stated that her routine included doing groundwork, where she helped support communities as part of her advocacy project for Miss Supranational. Because being a queen means much more than wearing a crown; one should also become a role model and a helping hand to society.

“I’m so excited to bring this to the Supranational stage and really, at the forefront, rally the Filipinas on the global stage.”

MORE THAN BEING A QUEEN

Not widely known, aside from being a beauty queen, Kat Llegado is also a military reservist. Carrying a responsibility like that requires even greater discipline, in addition to the weight of the crown.

“Actually, being a military reservist, it requires a lot of discipline, teamwork, and courage; taking that first step na okay, I will go into this reserve force na voluntary and willing ka na papasukin yung isang hamon sa buhay.”

She stated that taking on that challenge in her life honed her into a much better person, as it taught her many things while serving in the force. Out of everything she learned, Kat stated that discipline is the most important factor, and one that she can also apply to her journey in pageantry and in life as well.

“So yung discipline kailangan na kailangan yan, especially in the early call time.”

Kat stated that the first step in taking on the challenge of being in the force is the hardest of all, but she was willing to face it with courage because she knew it would teach her many things that would take her a long way in life. Aside from discipline, serving in the force taught her how to work as part of a team because being a queen and a reservist is not a one-person responsibility. You are also surrounded by people who will help you along the way.

“So those aspects that I learned as a military reservist, I am carrying it with me through pageantry and through life.”

WHO SHE IS OFF THE STAGE

Being a beauty queen and a military reservist is just part of her life. What many people may not know is that Kat Llegado is also a multitasking queen. She co-owns a beauty brand called Cloche Flame, where she has been selling makeup products since 2021. The brand is known for its advocacy of women’s empowerment and for offering products at reasonable prices for all types of buyers.

Beyond that, Kat is also an actress and a model. She has appeared in several projects, including After All, Mano Po Legacy: Her Big Boss, and Fit Check: Confessions of an Ukay-Ukay Queen. She has also modeled for designers Renee Salud, Mak Tumang, and Nat Manilag.

In addition, Kat is an advocate for healthy living. She actively participates in marathons and Spartan races.

THE REALITY OF PAGEANTRY

“Being a beauty queen, a Miss [Supranational] Philippines requires a lot of sacrifices. Isa na dyan yung time. All you see guys is the coronation night of every pageant girl, but behind that nandoon yung mga sacrifices na hindi niyo nakikita.”

Kat admitted that the journey toward the crown is more than just wearing heels, walking in long gowns, and smiling at the crowd; it is a sacrifice. What people do not see is the hard work, endless training, time, and effort that go into becoming the best version of themselves for a one-night competition.

“For me, I’ve been doing this for over seven years now, and I would truly say that aside from being a beauty queen, I’m doing a lot of things outside. I’m a businesswoman; I’m a military reservist.”

Fulfilling her duties as a queen requires her to put everything in her personal life on hold because she has to focus on one goal first: winning the Miss Supranational 2026 crown. Such sacrifices are not easy, as everything must be set aside for a single goal that carries so much weight.

“I’m so grateful that I have a team with me that truly helps me, and I truly believe that all the sacrifices are worth it. So laban lang and know that in pageantry, those who truly work hard will redeem themselves at the end.”

HER WORDS FOR THE PIPOL

“July 31, it’s the day that, for me, I prepared for all of my pageant years, and this is the culmination of all the hard work, not just with myself but of my team and the whole country, of course.”

Kat promised the Pipol supporting her that she would do her very best to represent the country and showcase the talent and intelligence of Filipinas in pageantry. She believes that she has worked more than enough and that if you pour your heart into something, the universe will reward you for your hard work.

Kat Llegado’s message to the young people:

“For every young girl watching me right now, if you have a dream, stick to it, and of course, know the people who would be able to help you reach that dream.”

KAT'S TEAM

PHOTOGRAPHER
Mark Rodriguez

CREATIVE DIRECTION
Jowie Namayan

STYLIST
Jowie Namayan
Assisted by: Karen Namayan

MUA
Jericho Valenzuela

HAIR STYLIST
Ahshanti Louisse Guasis

DESIGNERS

Yellow Filipiniana
by Reymar Magbanua

Orange Gown
by Jace Luna

White Gown
by Filo

VIDEO
Van Telebrico

COLLABORATORS

COVER STORY BY:
Monica Lucia Rayburn

EDITED BY:
Cover and Key Visuals: Ryzhel Ann Quilala
Reels by: Ryzhel Ann Quilala, Niko Laraza

Behind-the-Scenes:
THE SNAP COLLECTIVE
Headed by: Sachii Del Mundo
Assisted by: JC Bolante

STUDIO
NMJR Studio

THE PIPOL TEAM

Publisher:
Richard de Quina & John Luke Chica
Managing Director: Inyi Yruma
Editor-in-Chief: John Luke Chica

Creative Director: Devon May Seron

Communications & Partnership Manager:
Kyra Custodio- Alberto
Senior Writer: Beatrice Ulibarri
Multimedia & Digital Head: Sachii Del Mundo
Sales and Marketing Manager: Regino Rubi
Executive Assistant: Dreamboy Dubria, JC Bolante
Finance Head: Mylene Dela Reyna

Interns:
Pre-Prod: Hailie Jade Cruz, Adrian Bonita
Post-Prod: Monica Lucia Rayburn, Niko Laraza,
Dairy Valenzuela, Ryzhel Ann Quilala

AUTHOR

Nika Ray

Nika Ray, also known as Monica Lucia Rayburn Aguilar, is a passionate writer, filmmaker, and graphic artist. Her work reflects her creativity, values, and unique perspective, serving as an expression of both her personality and her identity as a multimedia artist.