Janeen Dale B. Geroso: Taming the crown

Janeen Dale B. Geroso is breaking the conventional definition of what it means to be a beauty queen. With a headstrong perspective on life, faith, and success, Janeen is encouraging young women to pursue their own definition of what is beautiful—to be oneself in an era that overlooks what is skin-deep.

At an early age, Janeen developed a passion for beauty pageants. Encouraged by her teachers and family, she viewed the pageantry as a platform to empower other women and to share her advocacy in promoting environmental awareness.

Currently a third year student taking up Bachelor of Science in Biology with specialization in Microbiology, Janeen has a deep appreciation for the life sciences. “The study of life fascinates me; there is so much to discover. I definitely love the challenge of learning and discovering. In Biology, there is always something new to learn.”

When asked why she chose CPU for her tertiary education, Janeen shared that the university’s reputation in academic excellence and faith ultimately made her want to be a Centralian. “CPU has always been my dream school. Though I lived in Bacolod, I would hear stories about how good the education here is and that the university is really centered on God. CPU is also one of the top universities in Western Visayas.”

Janeen recently joined the search for Miss Paraw Regatta 2018. After weeks of pre-pageant activities, she was crowned Miss Paraw Regatta 2018 first runner-up on February 15, 2018 at the Iloilo City Diamond Jubilee Hall.

According to Janeen, the search for Miss Paraw Regatta 2018 is her most memorable beauty pageant experience to date. “This, by far, is a pageant experience that I will never forget. We went to different parts of Western Visayas to see the beautiful flora and fauna and I also get to be surrounded by beautiful and strong women who support each other.”

For Janeen, the best part of joining beauty pageants is the friendships that she formed and the chance to share advocacies that showcase how women empowerment can change and help the community. “My advocacy is the restoration and conservation of mangrove forests. I grew up near the beach, so it’s a cause close to my heart. We often times neglect the impact of not taking care of our mangrove forests.”

She shares that beauty pageants are platforms for women to impart their advocacies and to showcase their confidence and their heart to others. It is also a venue for women to meet together and discuss issues that affect the community, promoting social awareness.

During her pageant journey, Janeen shares that it is the support of her family and her faith in God that made every experience worthwhile. “I wouldn’t be where I am today without the help of my family and the prayers of those who support me. I’m active in my church back in Bacolod City and I really believe that my faith has helped me throughout my journey.”

For Janeen, becoming a beauty queen does not mean wearing the crown, being garbed in beautiful dresses, or getting the applause. A beauty queen is one who has a genuine heart that inspires others, bringing out the best in them. “You don’t need a crown if you know you’re a queen in your own right. Kindness is power; helping others, encouraging those around you, and knowing that beauty is what’s on the inside—that is my definition of beauty.”

As for her advice to young women who want to join the beauty pageant scene, Janeen said, “Believe in the power of your dreams. Pursue what is in your heart. Your dreams will open doorways of opportunities for you, trust in God’s plans.”