Become the Queen of Your Own Story
Shine Purposefully. Reign Proudly. Represent the USA.
Miss Asia Pacific International USA 2025
Kayla Jane Usison
Reigning Queen
KAYLA JANE USISON
Kayla Jane Usison, 26 year old California native, is a proud Business Administration graduate and Human Resource Generalist.
Her advocacy is rooted in celebrating diversity and embracing one’s authentic identity, drawing inspiration from the vibrant culture of California and her deep Filipino roots. A proud Morena, Kayla advocates for confidence, inclusivity, and self-acceptance.
Kayla has witnessed the true beauty in diversity—where different cultures come together to create strength, connection, and community. Representing the USA, Kayla highlights her heritage and the beauty of America’s diverse spirit.
Darling of the Press 2025: MISS USA
Kayla Jane Usison
Miss USA Captures Hearts, Wins Darling of the Press Award
Miss Asia Pacific International USA, Kayla Jane Usison, shines on the international stage by winning her first major award—Darling of the Press!
Recognized for her natural charisma, authenticity, and graceful presence, Kayla has captured the attention of the media and her peers alike. As she represents the USA at Miss Asia Pacific International, Kayla continues to make waves.
This first major award marks an exciting milestone in her journey, highlighting her strong presence on the global stage and foreshadowing the remarkable achievements yet to come.
Miss Asia Pacific International 2024
Janelis Leyba
Reigning Queen: Miss Asia Pacific International 2024
The current Miss Asia Pacific International is Miss USA — Janelis Leyba
She made history as the very first American to win the international crown, proudly representing the United States with strength, elegance, and authenticity. Her triumph is more than just a personal achievement — it is a groundbreaking moment that highlights the growing presence and influence of American delegates on the global stage. By carrying herself with grace and staying true to her identity, she showed that beauty is most powerful when it is rooted in confidence and cultural pride.
Janelise Leyba’s victory is a powerful reflection of what Miss Asia Pacific International USA stands for — empowering women to lead, inspire, and connect across cultures. Her win not only celebrates diversity and inclusivity, but also reinforces the pageant’s mission of showcasing women who are advocates, role models, and voices of unity. Through her journey, Janelise embodies the spirit of international sisterhood, proving that borders may divide us geographically, but shared values of resilience, compassion, and empowerment unite us all.
Our Mission
What is Miss Asia Pacific International?
ABOUT US
Miss Asia Pacific International is one of the world’s most prestigious and diversity-focused pageants, established in the Philippines in 1968. For over five decades, it has served as a global platform that celebrates not only beauty, but also the power of advocacy, cultural pride, and women’s voices. Each year, it brings together delegates from across the globe who embody authenticity, intelligence, and grace—women who are committed to leading with purpose and inspiring change within their communities and beyond.
As the official U.S. franchise, we carry forward this tradition by empowering American women to step onto the international stage with strength, elegance, and cultural awareness. Our mission goes beyond representation—it is about equipping delegates with the tools to amplify their advocacies, embrace their identities, and connect meaningfully with women from diverse backgrounds. By doing so, we ensure that the United States is represented not only with beauty and poise, but also with the values of leadership, inclusivity, and global sisterhood that Miss Asia Pacific International has championed for over half a century.
Who Are We?
Meet the team
MAPI USA TEAM
Representing the Best of Pageantry, On and Off the Stage
Michiko Unso
President and National Director
Serves as National Director of Miss Asia Pacific International USA, Mr. & Ms. Chinatown Global USA and Canada, Owner of Miss Filipinas Worldwide, and Local Director for Miss Universe Philippines Canada.
With over 20 years of experience in media, marketing, and events across Asia and North America, she has also worked as a filmmaker and television director, including GMA 7’s Fashbook, and was CEO of Think+Talk Creative Communications, Inc. She previously served as President of JCI Makati Princess Urduja and is a classically trained chef with a Professional Culinary Arts Diploma.
Today, she continues to create platforms where beauty, leadership, and advocacy thrive, connecting and inspiring communities worldwide.
Jessica Victoria Cianchino
Assistant Director
A model, host, and mental health advocate, Jessica represented Canada at Miss Asia Pacific International 2019, where she was named 2nd Runner-Up and earned multiple accolades, including Miss Photogenic, Continental Queen of the Americas, 1st Runner-Up Best in Gown, Miss Culture Salon, and Top 5 Floral Beauties. Her achievements reflect her presence and ongoing commitment to purpose-driven work in media, modeling, and community advocacy. She is also Miss Earth Canada 2022 and proudly represented Canada East at Miss Universe Philippines 2025.
Jim Ryan Ros
Creative Director
A creative director, pageant coach, and founder of Culture Salon MNL in the Philippines. His salon is known for its sustainable, plant-based, and vegan hair care services that combine style with eco-consciousness. As a key figure at Aces & Queens, Jim helps prepare beauty queens with expert styling and mentorship, contributing to their success on national and international stages. With a background in makeup and hairstyling both locally and abroad, Jim blends artistry with a passion for sustainability and beauty innovation.
Raymond Galang
Mentor
A trusted pageant mentor with years of experience at Aces & Queens, one of the Philippines’ most prestigious and successful pageant training camps. Known for his supportive coaching and sharp insights, Raymond has guided numerous candidates in developing the skills and confidence needed to shine on stage. His mentorship goes beyond teaching walks and poses—he helps contestants embrace authenticity, refine their stage presence, and cultivate the grace and resilience necessary to succeed in high-pressure competitions.
Pauline Amelinckx
Mentor
Pauline Amelinckx is a Filipino-Belgian beauty queen, host, and advocate known for her grace and dedication. She competed in Miss Universe Philippines, earning top placements, and was crowned the first The Miss Philippines 2023. Pauline represented Philippines at Miss Supranational 2023, finishing as 1st Runner-Up. Beyond pageantry, she champions self-love, mental health awareness, and education access through her work with the Yellow Boat of Hope Foundation.
“True beauty shines brightest when we embrace self-love, lift others up, and use our voices to create positive change“
Pauline Amelinckx
Mentor
Miss Asia Pacific Intl USA 