I keep looking at this crown and thinking about how it was never just mine to win.
There were so many people behind this moment. People who believed in me when I was still trying to believe in myself. People who gave their time, shared their talent, opened doors, offered advice, stayed up late, took care of the little things no one else would ever see, and reminded me to keep going when things felt overwhelming.
To my team, thank you for everything you poured into this journey. For every idea, every adjustment, every late night, and every detail. I know how much work happens behind the scenes, and I will never take any of it for granted.
To my family and friends, thank you for being my safe place through all of this. For the calls, the messages, the prayers, the laughter, and for reminding me who I was beyond the crown. You gave me something to come back to through every high and every low.
To my creatives, mentors, supporters, and everyone who helped me along the way, thank you for seeing something in me and helping me bring it to life. So much of this journey was made possible because you were willing to give a piece of yourselves to it.
And to everyone who cheered for me, followed this journey, sent a message, shared a post, said a prayer, or simply believed that I could do it, thank you. I felt your love in more ways than you probably realize.
When I look at this crown, I don’t just see what was won that night. I see every person who helped me get to that stage. Every hand that lifted me, every voice that encouraged me, every person who made space for me to keep going.
This crown may have my name on it, but so many hands helped me reach it.
I know I will always remember the night I won, but I think I will remember even more the people who helped me get there.
Thank you for walking with me, believing in me, and making room for me to become the woman who was ready for this moment.
This one will always be ours. 🤍👑
With all my heart,
Stacy Anne Nova Flores
Miss Universe Philippines Northwest USA 2026
Graphic photo:
@thesarojinibazaar